[Digital Today reporter Jin-ho Lee (이진호)] Information and communications technology (ICT) exports in January total $29.05 billion, up 78.5 percent from a year earlier. Imports rise 20 percent to $14.09 billion. The trade balance records a surplus of $14.96 billion.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announce ICT export and import trends for January 2026 on Feb. 12. ICT exports in January achieve the best performance for any January on record and post a record-high growth rate.

The result is seen as reflecting a combination of expanding global demand for AI infrastructure and a trend toward higher specifications in ICT devices. ICT exports account for 44.1 percent of total exports of $65.85 billion, proving they are a key growth engine for the national economy.

By major item, January ICT exports post double-digit or higher growth across all categories, including semiconductors up 102.7 percent, displays up 19.0 percent, mobile phones up 75.1 percent, computers and peripherals up 83.7 percent and telecommunications equipment up 26.7 percent. Average daily exports, adjusted for the number of working days, rise 51.9 percent from a year earlier to $1.24 billion.

By item, semiconductors log triple-digit growth as rising fixed prices for memory semiconductors such as DRAM and NAND continue and demand increases for high value-added products such as HBM and DDR5. Display exports rebound as OLED supplies for new mobile products ramp up in earnest. Mobile phones lead overall exports on solid demand for premium finished products.

Computers and peripherals maintain double-digit growth for a second straight month on strong demand for data-centre SSDs. Telecommunications equipment increases for a seventh straight month on wider exports to the United States of equipment for vehicle electronics and on expanding component exports to Asian markets including Vietnam and Japan.

By region, exports rise to all major countries, including the United States up 110.7 percent, China including Hong Kong up 94.5 percent, Taiwan up 91.6 percent, Vietnam up 63.6 percent, the European Union up 30.8 percent, Japan up 21.0 percent and India up 4.5 percent. The United States posts triple-digit growth led by semiconductors.

January ICT imports rise 20.0 percent from a year earlier as all major ICT items increase, including semiconductors up 22.2 percent, displays up 30.4 percent, mobile phones including parts up 31.4 percent, computers and peripherals up 11.8 percent and telecommunications equipment up 24.4 percent.