South Korea's export sector maintained a solid growth trajectory in early September, as robust global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) continues to boost semiconductor shipments, benefiting the trade-reliant economy.

Customs data released on Monday showed that exports during the first 20 days of September surged 89.8% year-on-year on a working-day-adjusted basis, compared with a preliminary 61.5% gain reported for the same period in August.

Unadjusted exports climbed 78.3%, while imports rose 26.7%, resulting in a trade surplus of nearly $23 billion. Semiconductors remain the primary growth engine, with chip exports skyrocketing 259.4% year-on-year. Petroleum product shipments increased 47.8%, while automobile exports rose 9.3%.

By destination, exports to China grew 113.8%, and those to the United States advanced 118%. Shipments to Vietnam and the European Union rose 44.8% and 37%, respectively.

The data indicate that trade momentum stayed strong at the end of the third quarter, reinforcing the central bank's view that the economy is resilient enough to withstand higher borrowing costs. In August, the Bank of Korea raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 3%, marking a second consecutive hike as policymakers acted preemptively amid stronger-than-expected growth and stubborn underlying inflation.