South Korea's export engine surges to record levels.

South Korea's export engine surges to record levels. The nation's exports jumped 48.3% year-on-year in March to $86.13 billion, marking the fastest expansion since 1988. Semiconductors led the charge with a stunning 151.4% surge to $32.83 billion, driven by global AI infrastructure demand. Chip exports have become critical to the world's artificial intelligence ecosystem. However, geopolitical risks in the Middle East pose significant threats. While exports to China soared 64.2% and US shipments rose 47%, Middle East exports plunged 49%. Petroleum product exports climbed 54.9% amid elevated oil prices from regional tensions. The divergence reveals how supply chain vulnerabilities affect sectors unevenly. Automobile exports grew modestly at 2.2%, constrained by conflict-related disruptions. South Korea's record trade surplus widened to $25.74 billion.