March 11, 2004 – Strong demand for semiconductors drove Korean exports of IT goods to $5.72 billion in February, an increase of more than 50% year-on-year, according to data from the Ministry of Information and Communication.

Semiconductor exports were up 71% from a year ago to $2.0 billion, largely due to a rise in DRAM prices. Asian countries took in $3.08 billion worth of Korean IT goods, followed by the US ($1.15 billion) and Europe ($0.9 billion).

Korean IT imports were up 24% to $3.28 billion, creating a trade surplus in February of $2.43 billion. However, the ministry cautioned that currency exchange rates (a stronger won vs. US dollar) and rising materials prices could impact the numbers going forward.