Bolstered by robust global appetite for semiconductors, South Korea's exports for the first quarter are forecast to climb nearly 13 percent compared to the same period last year, according to a statement from the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Exim Bank) on Wednesday.

A report issued by the bank's Overseas Economic Research Institute anticipates the nation's first-quarter export value will reach approximately $180 billion, marking an increase of about 12.85 percent from the $159.5 billion recorded a year earlier.

A senior official from the bank noted that while the broader trade landscape remains subdued, the semiconductor sector's vigorous performance has helped mitigate negative impacts on the overall export figures.

In January, fueled by the worldwide artificial intelligence (AI) boom, strong semiconductor demand propelled South Korea's exports to surge 33.9 percent year-on-year to $65.85 billion, setting a new record high for January exports.