AI Boom Fuels Asia Exporters Hit by Energy Shock: Supply Lines

May 21, 2026, 11:00 AM UTC

Two of Asia’s top trading powers are showing resilience amid war in the Middle East thanks to strong global demand for semiconductors, electronics and other goods powering the artificial intelligence boom.

In South Korea, exports adjusted for working-day differences climbed about 53% from a year earlier from May 1-20, according to customs office data released Thursday. Chip exports again led gains, surging 202% from a year earlier. Shipments of computer-related products rose 306%.

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