South Korea export growth hits four-decade high on AI chip boom

South Korea's exports jumped 53.2% in May to a record $87.75B — the fastest annual rise since 1984 — producing an all‑time monthly trade surplus.
An AI-led chip boom drove semiconductor exports up ~169% and computer/server shipments nearly 291%, fueling a rally in chipmakers and sending the KOSPI more than 100% higher this year.
Factory activity hit its strongest pace in over five years as firms stockpiled; exports to the U.S. and China surged while shipments to the Middle East fell.