S. Korea’s chip exports to China up 12.4 times

South Korea’s total semiconductor exports to China jumped 12.4 times to 39.7 percent from 2020.

According to research by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), semiconductors took up only 3.2 percent of South Korea’s total exports to China in 2000.

Precision machinery was South Korea’s top export sector to China at 42.5 percent, followed by fine chemistry at 40.9 percent, semiconductors at 39.7 percent, glass at 39.3 percent, and petrochemicals at 38.9 percent.

In 2000, the sectors were timber at 42.3 percent, leather and shoes at 38.8 percent, petrochemicals at 33.4 percent, and electronic parts at 27.2 percent.

The KCCI conducted the research to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties with China in 1992.

In 2003, China surpassed the United States to become South Korea’s biggest export destination and has been in the top spot since.