According to Yonhap, South Korea's information and communication technology (ICT) exports surged 140.6% in July from a year earlier to $53.4 billion, the highest level for any July, as sustained global investment in artificial intelligence boosted demand. The Ministry of Science and ICT said ICT imports rose 37.3% to $18.3 billion, leaving the sector with a trade surplus of $35.1 billion. Semiconductor exports climbed 178.8% to $41 billion and rose for a 17th straight month, while shipments of computers and communications equipment jumped 353.9% to $4.9 billion and mobile phone exports increased 62.6% to $1.6 billion. Display panel exports edged up 0.5% to $1.77 billion. By destination, shipments to China and Hong Kong rose 194.7%, exports to the United States gained 187%, those to Vietnam increased 115.7%, shipments to the European Union climbed 202% and exports to India advanced 128.2%.