Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Retail sales up 6.7 percent in May, led by online sales

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on June 27 that overall retail sales in May expanded 6.7 percent from a year earlier on the back of strong online sales.   Online sales surged 17.2 percent, continuing a seven-month streak of double-digit growth.    Sales at brick-and-mortar retailers also advanced 1.2 percent year-on-year, led by sales growth at convenience stores and department stores.   All categories of retailers, except convenience stores, saw a date2018-06-27

ICT exports continue to show double-digit growth in May

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on June 18 that exports of information and communication technology (ICT) goods marked their fourth-highest monthly figure of USD 18.6 billion in May.Exports of ICT goods were up 20.6 percent compared to a year earlier, achieving double-digit year-on-year growth for the 18th consecutive month, since December 2016.ICT imports also jumped 9.0 percent year-on-year to $8.7 billion, and the trade surplus in this sector stood at $9.8 billion.The con date2018-06-18

Korea’s car exports rise in value in May, thanks to green cars, SUVs

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on June 15 that the value of both car and car part exports saw year-on-year growth in May, while the export volume inched downward.Cars and car part exports increased in terms of dollar value by 1.9 percent to USD 3.6 billion and by 14.7 percent to $2.1 billion, respectively. One of the factors that influenced this rise is higher sales prices, as more eco-friendly cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) were shipped. Exports of eco-friendly car date2018-06-15

Korean exports grow 13.5 percent in May

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on June 1 that Korea’s exports grew 13.5 percent year-on-year to USD 50.9 billion in May.   The growth rate turned to double digits for the first time since January 2018. In terms of volume, the May figures recorded the fifth largest monthly export figures ever.    Average daily exports rose 10.8 percent year-on-year to $2.4 billion, returning to growth from a decline seen in last month's year-on-year figure.  &n date2018-06-01

Retail sales jump 6.3 percent in April

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on May 30 that overall retail sales increased 6.3 percent in April from a year earlier, as growth in online sales remains robust.   Online retail sales rose 15.9 percent year-on-year in April, while sales at brick-and-mortar retailers showed a modest growth rate of 1.0 percent year-on-year over the same period.   The Ministry releases monthly retail sales figures based on surveys of 26 major retailers. Half of them are brick-and- date2018-05-30

[Press Release] Korea, MERCOSUR launch trade talks

Korea, MERCOSUR begin trade negotiationsMinistry of Trade, Industry and EnergyMay 25, 2018  Seoul, Korea - His Excellency, Trade Minister of the Republic of Korea Kim Hyun-chong, met with His Excellencies, Eladio Loizaga for Paraguay, in charge of the Pro Temporary Presidency, Aloysio Nunes Ferreira Filho for Brazil and Rodolfo Nin Novoa for Uruguay, Foreign Ministers of the MERCOSUR Member States, the Minister of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services of the Federative Republic of Brazi date2018-05-25

Korean auto part exports, EV sales grow in April

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on May 17 that exports of Korean automobile parts rose 6.6 percent year-on-year to USD 2.0 billion in April, thanks to a recovery in the Chinese market and to export growth in emerging economies.   A breakdown of auto part exports showed that outbound shipments to all major regions except North America increased. Nevertheless, North America remained as the biggest importer, purchasing $670 million worth of Korean auto parts.   Ho date2018-05-17

ICT exports post $17.2 billion in April

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on May 16 that Korea’s exports of information and communications technology (ICT) in April were worth USD 17.2 billion.   Also, exports of tech goods in April 2018 grew 10.9 percent year-on-year, continuing double-digit growth for 17 consecutive months now.    Imports in April rose 10 percent to $8.7 billion, with most of the growth coming in semiconductors and computers and peripheral devices.   Korea's trade s date2018-05-16