(LEAD) S. Korea's monthly exports hit US$115.3 bln in Oct. on strong chip sales

What happened: South Korea's exports jumped 93.7 percent to a record US$115.3 billion in October from a year earlier, driven largely by a sharp increase in semiconductor shipments, the trade ministry said. Key numbers: Exports $115.3 billion, up 93.7 percent. Imports $72.78 billion, up 36 percent. Trade surplus $42.5 billion. Why it matters: The ministry attributed the gain to strong global semiconductor demand and continued investment by major technology companies in AI infrastructure, which supported shipments of chips, computers and electrical equipment.

South Korea's exports jumped 93.7 percent to a record US$115.3 billion in October from a year earlier, driven largely by a sharp increase in semiconductor shipments, the trade ministry said.

The ministry attributed the gain to strong global semiconductor demand and continued investment by major technology companies in AI infrastructure, which supported shipments of chips, computers and electrical equipment.