South Korea's telecommunications equipment industry is accelerating its overseas push, buoyed by expanding global artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure demand. Expectations are growing that smaller but strong companies with optical communications technology capable of resolving data bottleneck issues at AI data centers will attract attention in overseas markets. Industry officials see telecom equipment exports increasing to the 2 trillion won ($1.4 billion) level, potentially establishing the sector as a new export driver.
An analysis of Korea International Trade Association export-import statistics by the Seoul Economic Daily found that telecom equipment exports totaled $951.86 million (approximately 1.433 trillion won) last year, up 15% from $827.8 million the previous year. Exports in 2024 fell 4.7% from 2023, but the rebound is attributed to overseas carriers expanding their capital expenditure.
