South Korea's exports neared $100 billion last month.

Semiconductors, the country's flagship export item, drove overall exports with record-breaking performance.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced today (September 1) that exports for August reached $98.25 billion, an increase of 68.7% compared to the same month last year.

This marks the third-highest export figure on record, following $102 billion in June and $99 billion in July.

Although total exports in August decreased slightly compared to July, semiconductor exports surged by 209.0% to $46.65 billion, breaking the all-time high record.