Semiconductor exports soared 209 percent to US$46.65 billion in August, marking the third consecutive month that exports exceeded US$40 billion. ^[1] South Korea's exports surged 68.7 percent year-over-year in August to reach US$98.25 billion, according to data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. ^[2] Semiconductor exports surged to $46.65 billion in August, marking a 209% increase year-on-year and continuing a streak of three consecutive months exceeding $40 billion. ^[3] The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported that South Korea's exports in August reached $98.25 billion, a 68.7% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. ^[4] According to the South Korean industry ministry, Kim is expected to hold final talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Korean investment in the U.S. during the trip. ^[5] Before departing, Kim said the two sides need to 'finalize the details' of discussed issues, including the selection of Korean investment projects in the U.S. ^[6] South Korea's Minister of Industry, Trade and Resources, Kim Jung-kwan, is visiting the United States to attend the G20 Innovation Ministerial Meeting. ^[7] The South Korean industry ministry said Kim's itinerary includes visits to North Carolina, Washington D.C., and Louisiana, with the trip running through Thursday. ^[8] Imports climbed 22.6 percent year-over-year to US$63.51 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$34.75 billion for August. ^[9] Major technology companies known as hyperscalers, including Google and Amazon, stepped up spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure, driving the surge in semiconductor demand. ^[10] Exports of computers increased by 419.5% to $6.24 billion, driven by sustained investment in AI infrastructure by major technology companies. ^[11] The trade surplus for August was recorded at $34.75 billion, representing a $28.34 billion increase from the previous year and marking the third consecutive month of a surplus exceeding $30 billion. ^[12]