Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Retail Sales Figures for January

Sales at the nation’s major department stores fell 8.2 percent from a year earlier due to the late arrival of the Lunar New Year holiday and the economic slowdown. With the exception of children’s goods and sporting goods and household goods, spending on most categories showed negative growth. Sales of household goods gained thanks to a low base effect from the previous year and major household appliance makers’ heavy marketing of new models. date2013-02-21

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for January

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for January The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has released its car sales figures for January. Despite the global economic slowdown, automobile production and exports recorded their highest-ever figures for January thanks to an increase in the number of working days. The nation produced 410,602 vehicles and exported 288,344 vehicles for the month. Due to a low base effect from a year earlier and the extra working days, domestic sales rose 10.3 percent year on year date2013-02-13

Retail Sales Figures for 2012

date2013-01-24

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for 2012

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for 2012 The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has released its car sales figures for 2012. Due to sluggish domestic demand and strikes at major automobile manufacturers, the nation’s car production declined 2.1 percent year on year to 4,558,160 vehicles. Exports rose 0.4 percent to 3,165,689 vehicles thanks to strong demand from the United States and emerging economies in Eastern Europe and Africa. Growing global economic uncertainties and rising fuel prices re date2013-01-11

Retail Sales Figures for November

The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has released its retail sales figures for the month of November. Although sales at the nation’s three major discount chains fell 1.7 percent year on year, the downward pace slowed as unseasonably cold weather raised demand for apparel, sporting goods and general goods. Spending on household appliances and cultural goods, household goods and food showed negative growth. Meanwhile, sales at the nation’s major department stores rose 9.1 percent from a year earlier, posting positive growth for the first time in six months. Spending on all categories saw an upward trend. The cold weather and discount sales in particular played role in boosting demand for seasonal items such as winter clothing and gloves. * Released by the Distribution and Logistics Division     date2012-12-28

Minister Talks on Future of Korean Industries

date2012-12-14

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for November

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for November The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has released its car sales figures for November. Based on stronger domestic demand, the nation’s car production climbed 3.7 percent year on year to 444,049 vehicles, posting the highest performance for any month so far this year. Despite the impact of the broader slowdown in Europe, vehicle exports declined only slightly from a year earlier thanks to solid demand from the North American market and a steady recov date2012-12-11

Vice Minister Attends CEO Forum

Vice Minister Attends CEO Forum Vice Minister for Trade and Energy Cho Seok speaks at the CEO Forum for Foreign-invested Companies 2012 on November 29 in Seoul. Around 150 representatives from foreign companies in Korea participated in the event. date2012-12-07

Korea Rolls Out Commercial Electric Vehicle-Sharing Program

Korea Rolls Out Commercial Electric Vehicle-Sharing Program The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has introduced a commercial EV-sharing program as part of efforts to build an electric vehicle platform for sustainable everyday use. Launched on December 3, the service offers registered members access to a fleet of 30 electric cars available at 18 charging stations in Seoul, which can be reserved by the hour or day via the Internet. It aims to expand access to green cars while helping shoulder the co date2012-12-06

Retail Sales Figures for October

The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has released its retail sales figures for the month of October. Weaker consumer sentiment due to prolonged global economic uncertainties and the higher cost of fresh produce pushed sales at the nation’s three major discount chains down 6.6 percent year on year. Spending declined in most categories, including apparel, household goods and food. date2012-11-26