Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

August automobile exports, output increase

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on September 15 that Korea’s automobile production and exports increased 0.7 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively, while domestic sales edged down 3.3 percent for the month of August. The export value totaled $3.0 billion, posting double-digit growth for eight straight months. Automobile output in August inched up 0.7 percent to 234,893 units despite automotive chip shortages and construction at the electric vehicle (EV) production li date2021-09-15

Korea’s ICT exports post growth of 33.2% to $20.3 billion

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on September 14 that exports of Korea’s information and communications technology (ICT) goods increased 33.2 percent to USD 20.3 billion in August, rising for 15 consecutive months and hitting the record high export value for the month of August and the second highest monthly export value in history. Imports recorded year-on-year growth of 23.7 percent to $11.4 billion, and the trade balance stood at a surplus of $8.9 billion. Shipment date2021-09-14

Korea initiates process to join Digital Economic Partnership Agreement (DEPA)

The Office of the Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy officially notified New Zealand, the Depositary of the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement (DEPA), of Korea’s intent to join the Agreement on September 13. The government has completed the domestic procedures to initiate negotiations on Korea’s accession to the DEPA, including a feasibility study (May 2020), public hearing (May 2021) and report to the National Assembly (August 2021), and has secure date2021-09-13

Korea’s August exports jump 34.9% to $53.2 billion

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on September 1 that Korea’s exports in August saw a year-on-year expansion of 34.9 percent and recorded USD 53.2 billion, hitting the highest value for the month of August in history. Imports jumped 44.0 percent to $51.6 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $1.7 billion. Exports posted growth for 10 consecutive months. It is also the first time in 11 years that exports increased more than 20 percent for five straight months. Daily date2021-09-02

Korea’s retail industry sees sales growth of 13.1% in July

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on August 26 that Korea’s retail industry saw sales growth of 13.1 percent in July. Both offline and online sales posted growth, up 7.0 percent and 20.2 percent, respectively. The Ministry releases monthly retail sales figures based on surveys of 26 major retailers. Half of them are physical retailers: three department store chains, three hypermarket chains, three convenience store chains, and four 'super supermarket' (SSM) operators. date2021-08-26

S.Korea's bio-health industry exports log best-ever first half in 2021

S.Korea's bio-health industry exports log best-ever first half in 2021 date2021-08-25

Auto exports edge down 2.9%, export value rises 12.3% in July

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on August 18 that Korea’s automobile output, domestic sales, and exports went down 13.9 percent, 9.6 percent, and 2.9 percent, respectively. However, in value terms, the export value increased 12.3 percent to $4.1 billion, posting double-digit growth for seven straight months. Declines in production and exports are attributable to a high base effect from last year’s expansion and fewer working days (down 2 days) this year. Vehic date2021-08-18

Korea’s ICT exports advance for 14 straight months, up 30.2% to $19.5 billion in July

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on August 12 that exports of Korea’s information and communications technology (ICT) goods increased 30.2 percent to USD 19.5 billion in July, posting growth for 14 consecutive months and hitting the record high export value for the month of July in history. Imports gained 14.9 percent to $11.3 billion, and the trade balance stood at a surplus of $8.2 billion. Exports of all major ICT goods recorded growth. Chip exports jumped 38.8 pe date2021-08-12