With a short-term external debt ratio reaching a historically low level in the third quarter of this year, South Korea’s ability to meet external obligations is demonstrated by an increase of US$21.4 billion in net external financial assets in just one quarter. This is because debts decreased more s
This year marks the first time that the number of countries importing Korean kimchi has surpassed 90. The global popularity of Korean kimchi, often attributed to the Hallyu wave and health trends such as vegetarianism, is leading the way in showcasing K-food on the international stage.According to t
“An accelerated reorganization of global supply chains that began after the U.S.-China hegemony war has led to the emergence of alternative countries as alternative production bases that can replace China,” said Lee Sang-won, head of product strategy at Korea Investment Management at an India & Viet
Korea’s real gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to rise by 2.0 percent next year from this year, according to the state-run Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET) in its 2024 Economic and Industrial Outlook report released on Nov. 20. The relatively conservative forecast is
The value of the Japanese yen is nearing its lowest point in 33 years, emerging as a hidden challenge for South Korea’s industrial sector. Key industries such as steel, automotive, and electronic components, which directly compete with Japanese counterparts, are facing weakened price competitiveness
The export revenue of ramen, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, has surpassed 1 trillion won for the first time in history.According to trade statistics from the Korea Customs Service on Nov. 20, the export revenue of ramen for the first 10 months of this year reached US$785.25 million
K.S.PEARL, a cosmetic ingredient specialist company established in 1986, has been supplying innovative and safe cosmetic ingredients and stands shoulder to shoulder with global material companies. Recently, K.S.PEARL has attracted the attention of the industry.This attention comes as K.S.PEARL succe
As a result of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s visit to the United States for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, four American companies, including General Motors (GM) and DuPont, have decided to invest a total of US$1.16 billion in South Korea.The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy
The author is an analyst for NH Investment & Securities. He can be reached at bk@nhqv.com -- Ed.Although the Covid-19 pandemic has ended, it has impacted global policies and life patterns. Anti-globalization has accelerated, and the new Cold War has deepened, with regional wars erupting. While drama
Due to the increase in corporate export proceeds deposits, resident foreign currency deposits rebounded by approximately US$4.6 billion last month compared to a month earlier. Yen deposits reached a record high due to individual investment demand amid the yen depreciation trend as well as corporate
Contrary to the prevailing pessimism earlier this year, foreign media analysis suggests that the South Korean economy is exhibiting an encouraging trend.In his column on Nov. 15 (local time), Bloomberg opinion columnist Daniel Moss assessed the South Korean economy stating, “Critical exports are in
Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar and a designer by profession, made a surprise announcement at the Polestar Day event held in Los Angeles, California, on Nov. 9 (local time). He revealed plans to produce the Polestar 4, a coupe-style Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), in South Korea.On Nov. 16, the auto
SK Geo Centric breaks ground on the world’s first integrated waste plastic recycling complex in Ulsan, opening a new chapter for South Korea’s circular economy. This world’s first factory is expected to enhance South Korea’s capabilities in tackling domestic environmental issues related to plastics
The author is an analyst for NH Investment & Securities. She can be reached at jiyoony@nhqv.com -- Ed.In 2023, the consumer goods portion of Korea’s exports surpassed that of capital goods for the first time in 25 years. While domestic consumption should weaken on higher interest expense burden in 2
The author is an analyst for NH Investment & Securities. He can be reached at ys.jung@nhqv.com -- Ed.Over 2021~2023, Korean shipbuilders have landed target-beating new orders. With sufficient order backlogs under their belt, they have raised newbuilding prices to reflect higher costs, and accordingl
Pulmuone USA announced on Nov. 15 the expansion of its fresh noodle production line at its facility in Gilroy, California, initiating full-scale operations early last month. This enhancement enables an annual production capacity of 24 million packs (based on 190 g per pack) of fresh noodles, a move
Jeong Tak, vice chairman of POSCO International, visited Ukraine from Nov. 13 to 15 and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vitalii Kim, governor of Mykolaiv Oblast, for the establishment of a “steel modular manufacturing facility.”The modular manufacturing facility is planned to be esta
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on Nov. 14 that last month’s exports in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector amounted to US$17.06 billion, while imports recorded US$12.61 billion, resulting in a provisional trade surplus of US$4.44 billion.Notably, the incre
Kolmar BNH, a leading Korean health functional food ODM company, is setting its sights on the global market based on world-class manufacturing and quality technology. Notably, HemoHIM, an immune function-improving health functional food developed and manufactured by Kolmar BNH, is elevating the stat
HD Hyundai Oilbank has announced a long-term contract for petroleum product supply with the United States-based SUNOCO Corporation, set to commence next year. This expansion follows the company’s initial export of finished petroleum products to Hawaii in July 2021. Since 2022, HD Hyundai Oilbank has