Businesses step up purchases of semiconductors as Iran war threatens helium supplies

20260401 exports

Containers await outbound shipment at a port in the South Korean city of Busan. (Photo by Ahn Seong-bok) 

SEOUL — South Korean exports hit an all-time monthly high in March, government data showed Wednesday, as companies rushed orders for semiconductors due to fears of supply chain disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.