Last month, exports from the information and communications technology (ICT) industry came to $43.51 billion, up 112 percent from the same month a year earlier. Imports rose 32.2 percent to $16.15 billion. The trade balance therefore posted a surplus of $27.36 billion.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on April 14 announced trends in ICT exports and imports for March 2026. ICT exports in the month topped $40 billion for the first time, supported by growth for a 14th straight month despite the Middle East war. ICT exports also accounted for 50.5 percent of the country’s total exports of $86.13 billion, serving as a key pillar of economic growth.

March exports by major ICT items showed double-digit or higher growth in semiconductors, up 151.4 percent, mobile phones, up 57.0 percent, and computers and peripherals, up 174.1 percent. Exports fell for displays, down 9.3 percent, and communications equipment, down 5.8 percent.

Semiconductors surpassed $30 billion in exports for the first time, supported by strong memory demand from global artificial intelligence (AI) server investment and an increase in shipments at the end of the quarter. Mobile phone exports increased as shipments of finished products surged on strong sales of new high-spec models, while demand expanded for high value-added components.

Computers and peripherals surpassed $3 billion for the first time as robust demand for server SSDs and strong SSD exports on rising unit prices led to continued triple-digit growth. By contrast, overall display exports declined as OLED exports fell on weakening downstream demand. Exports of communications equipment also declined as demand in the United States for vehicle-mounted equipment weakened amid expanded local production.

By region, exports increased to all major markets, including the United States, up 189.0 percent, China including Hong Kong, up 141.0 percent, the European Union, up 89.9 percent, Taiwan, up 82.0 percent, Vietnam, up 48.0 percent, India, up 45.6 percent, and Japan, up 33.9 percent.

Last month, ICT imports rose 32.2 percent from a year earlier as most major items increased, including semiconductors, up 35.3 percent, displays, up 7.7 percent, mobile phones including parts, up 74.8 percent, and computers and peripherals, up 47.4 percent.