In the first quarter of this year, Korea’s exports to the United States surpassed those to China for the first time since the second quarter of 2003.Exports to the U.S. are expected to remain strong for the foreseeable future, driven by foreign direct investment (FDI) in the manufacturing industries
Kolmar Korea has discovered the hair loss mitigation effects of Sophora flavescens extract and has presented their findings at an international academic conference, marking the industry’s first such patent application. The discovery and subsequent presentation have garnered global attention.On April
The market capitalization and operating profit of South Korea’s top 100 companies have been surpassed by those of their counterparts in Taiwan. This reversal comes as TSMC outpaced Samsung Electronics in operating profit in 2022, leading to a widening gap between the two representative companies.Acc
Despite positive signs in the Korean economy such as an increase in semiconductor exports, many growth rate forecasts are still in the low 2 percent range. One explanation is that low growth has stagnated while economic structural reforms have been stalled.According to the Ministry of Strategy and F
The trilateral military alliance of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, known as “AUKUS,” is reportedly considering South Korea as a potential cooperation partner for joint development of advanced military technology. This development has raised expectations for “K-Defense,” which
Samsung C&T Corporation will build the first mixed hydrogen compound power generation infrastructure in Korea.Samsung C&T Corporation inked a contract with KEPCO to build a 30,000-ton capacity hydrogen compound storage, loading and unloading infrastructure in Samcheok, Gangwon Province of Korea, the
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok has highlighted the need for a new growth model as South Korea transitions from a beneficiary of China’s growth to a competitor, according to a report by the Financial Times (FT) on April 8.In a recent interview with FT, Deputy
Korea’s secondary battery exports were in a slump with the steepest downward curve among the 15 major items in the first quarter of this year, down more than 20 percent. However, the Korean government expects the slump to be a temporary one due to a plunge in raw material prices, and secondary batte
Korea’s exports jumped by 3.1 percent in March 2024 compared to the same month of 2023. The nation marked the sixth consecutive month of positive exports. Semiconductor exports also hit a 24-month high.The Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced March export and import statis
Korea’s inheritance tax is too high compared to G7 countries, leading to the Korea discount (the undervaluation of the Korean stock market) and discouraging investment, according to a proposal to adjust it to a reasonable level in this year’s tax law revision.“Over the past 30 years, G7 countries ha
The amount of debts owed by households and businesses in Korea was more than twice Korea’s gross domestic product (GDP). About half of the nation’s companies were unable to pay even interest on their debts with money they earned from sales, revealing their vulnerability.The ratio of private credit t
Korea’s export value index rose for the fifth consecutive month in February thanks to a recovery of the semiconductor industry. Export value is the current value of exports converted to U.S. dollars and expressed as a percentage of the average of the base period (2000). Semiconductor exports are sho
A recovery in the influx of Chinese group tours into South Korea is becoming noticeable. Chinese tourists to South Korea have passed the pre-COVID-19 level and are getting closer to the level where they peaked in the past. New momentum in China’s recovering economy is also something that can help se
In February, Korea’s instant noodle exports reached a record high. As the green light has been given to instant noodle exports since the beginning of the year, Korea’s ramen exports are expected to exceed USUS$1 billion for the first time this year.Korea’s instant noodle exports last month was the h
The 17-year trend of Japan’s persistent negative interest rates has come to an end, yet the market’s response remains tepid. This is attributed to assessments indicating difficulty in perceiving a full-fledged tightening. However, there are prospects suggesting that the yen may strengthen from the s
The possibility of exporting South Korea’s indigenous helicopter, Surion, to Iraq is increasing. Following visits by high-ranking Iraqi military officials, the Iraqi Defense Minister’s visit to South Korea has heightened discussions about the introduction of the Surion. The potential first export of
While domestic demand including consumption continues to remain weak, exports, which have been driving up Korea’s economic recovery, are also facing a threat on the account of a slump in exports to China. Exports to China grew by more than 16 percent in January this year, snapping a 19-month streak
In February, automobile exports, production, and domestic sales declined from the same month of 2023 and the previous month of January.The descent was attributable to a slowdown in the growth of electric vehicle sales in both the Korean and overseas markets, as well as a drop in production and shipp
Korea’s duty exemption threshold for cross-border shopping is set at US$150 per day. This limit is now on the table. It is blamed on the fact that Chinese e-commerce companies such as AliExpress, Temu, and Shein selling ultra-low-priced goods can quickly expand their presences in the Korean market t
The combined operating profit of the top 10 companies by market capitalization in the South Korean stock market falls short of those of leading Japanese company Toyota and top Taiwanese company TSMC.To address the “Korea discount,” which refers to the undervaluation of South Korean stocks, it is poi