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SEOUL – South Korea’s export engine is firing on all cylinders, driven by a global "AI Supercycle" that has pushed trade figures to historic heights. According to data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on March 1, 2026, the nation’s export volume for February reached a staggering $67.45 billion, marking a 29.0% increase compared to the same period last year.
This performance marks the 13th consecutive month of trade surplus and the ninth straight month of record-breaking figures for specific calendar months. Most notably, the average daily export value surpassed the $3 billion threshold for the first time in history, settling at an unprecedented $3.55 billion.
The AI Engine: Semiconductors and SSDs
The primary catalyst behind this surge is the explosive demand for high-performance computing hardware. As global tech giants ramp up investments in AI servers, South Korean semiconductor exports skyrocketed by 160.8%, reaching $25.16 billion. This marks the third consecutive month that semiconductor exports have remained above the $20 billion mark, buoyed by rising memory prices and the shift toward next-generation AI chips.
Following closely in this tech-led rally, Computer (SSD) exports rose by 221.6% to $2.56 billion, a record for any February. While the tech sector thrived, the automotive industry saw a temporary dip, with exports falling 20.8%. Officials attributed this decline primarily to a reduction in working days due to the Lunar New Year holiday.
Global Market Dynamics
South Korea’s export footprint showed robust growth across seven of its nine major global markets:
United States: $12.85 billion (+29.9%) – A new February record.
China: $12.75 billion (+34.1%) – Sustained recovery in demand.
ASEAN: $12.47 billion (+30.4%) – A record-breaking performance for the region.
The trade surplus for February widened significantly to $15.51 billion, an increase of $11.55 billion compared to the previous year. This represents the largest monthly trade surplus ever recorded in South Korean history.
Navigating Global Uncertainty
Despite the celebratory figures, the South Korean government remains cautious. During a recent growth strategy meeting held at FuriosaAI in Gangnam, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan emphasized the need for vigilance. Global headwinds, including escalating tensions in the Middle East and shifting U.S. tariff policies, pose significant risks to trade stability.
"While the momentum from the AI supercycle is strong, we must diversify our export portfolios and markets to insulate ourselves from external shocks," Minister Kim stated.
To maintain this momentum, the government plans to strengthen support in trade finance, international exhibitions, and infrastructure, ensuring that South Korea remains a pivotal hub in the global AI supply chain.
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