South Korea's exports jumped 68.7% year-on-year to $98.25 billion in August, propelled by a 209% leap in semiconductor shipments to $46.65 billion — the third consecutive month chip exports have exceeded $40 billion. The boom has been driven by major technology companies such as Google and Amazon ramping up spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure, with strong demand felt across key markets including China, the United States, and Southeast Asia. The result leaves South Korea with a monthly trade surplus of $34.75 billion, though automobile exports bucked the trend, falling nearly 30% due to summer holiday shutdowns and strike action over wages.