Trade lane

What South Korea buys from China.

South Korea imported USD 132bn of manufactured and processed goods from China in 2024, down 6 per cent on 2022. That is 36 per cent of everything South Korea imported in these lines, and China is its largest source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where China dominates, and where another country ships the same line for less a tonne.

Trade year 2024, compared with 2022. Unit values are customs values per tonne, declared at the border, not product prices.

USD 132bnfrom China in 2024 (USD 140bn in 2022)
36 per centof South Korea's imports in these lines, USD 370bn from every source
2,729product lines worth USD 1m or more on this lane
#1China's rank among South Korea's sources
The top 50

The largest lines on the lane, by 2024 value.

Each line shows what South Korea paid China for it at the border, China's share of everything South Korea imported in that line, how it changed since 2022, and the customs unit value per tonne where the weight is recorded. Together they are 46 per cent of the lane.

  1. 1

    Electronic integrated circuits: memoriesHS 854232

    Share of South Korea's imports81 per cent, 51 source countries
    Changedown 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 19bn in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 18.5m a tonne, 865 tonnes
    USD 16bnin 2024
  2. 2

    Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 850760

    Share of South Korea's imports85 per cent, 55 source countries
    Changedown 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 5.4bn in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 26,334 a tonne, 153,308 tonnes
    USD 4.0bnin 2024
  3. 3

    Automatic data processing machines: portable, weighing not more than 10kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a displayHS 847130

    Share of South Korea's imports67 per cent, 84 source countries
    Changedown 31 per cent on 2022 (USD 3.3bn in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 298,829 a tonne, 7,539 tonnes
    USD 2.3bnin 2024
  4. 4

    Machinery: parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) of the machines of heading no. 8471HS 847330

    Share of South Korea's imports38 per cent, 100 source countries
    Changeup 62 per cent on 2022 (USD 1.4bn in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 2.3bnin 2024
  5. 5

    Flat panel display modules, whether or not incorporating touch-sensitive screens: of liquid crystals, with drivers or control circuitsHS 852491

    Share of South Korea's imports80 per cent, 56 source countries
    Changeup 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 1.7bn in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 69,392 a tonne, 27,208 tonnes
    USD 1.9bnin 2024
  6. 6

    Electronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or...HS 854231

    Share of South Korea's imports8 per cent, 68 source countries
    Changedown 26 per cent on 2022 (USD 2.5bn in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2.1m a tonne, 889 tonnes
    USD 1.9bnin 2024
  7. 7

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Share of South Korea's imports93 per cent, 54 source countries
    Changeup 104 per cent on 2022 (USD 860m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,784 a tonne, 984,366 tonnes
    USD 1.8bnin 2024
  8. 8

    Insulated electric conductors: ignition wiring sets and other wiring sets of a kind used in vehicles, aircraft or shipsHS 854430

    Share of South Korea's imports54 per cent, 70 source countries
    Changedown 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 1.8bn in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 20,149 a tonne, 78,615 tonnes
    USD 1.6bnin 2024
  9. 9

    Telephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networksHS 851713

    Share of South Korea's imports67 per cent, 99 source countries
    Changeup 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 1.4bn in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1.1m a tonne, 1,296 tonnes
    USD 1.5bnin 2024
  10. 10

    Electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542HS 854239

    Share of South Korea's imports15 per cent, 95 source countries
    Changedown 35 per cent on 2022 (USD 2.1bn in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1.1m a tonne, 1,204 tonnes
    USD 1.4bnin 2024
  11. 11

    Lithium oxide and hydroxideHS 282520

    Share of South Korea's imports85 per cent, 19 source countries
    Changedown 58 per cent on 2022 (USD 3.2bn in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 16,166 a tonne, 83,863 tonnes
    USD 1.4bnin 2024
  12. 12

    Circuits: printedHS 853400

    Share of South Korea's imports43 per cent, 70 source countries
    Changedown 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 1.3bn in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 1.2bnin 2024
  13. 13

    Granite: articles thereof, (other than simply cut or sawn, with a flat or even surface)HS 680293

    Share of South Korea's imports99 per cent, 21 source countries
    Changeup 153 per cent on 2022 (USD 458m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 949 a tonne, 1,219,770 tonnes
    USD 1.2bnin 2024
  14. 14

    Electrical static convertersHS 850440

    Share of South Korea's imports48 per cent, 95 source countries
    Changeup 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 855m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 41,406 a tonne, 27,664 tonnes
    USD 1.1bnin 2024
  15. 15

    Vehicles: with only electric motor for propulsionHS 870380

    Share of South Korea's imports59 per cent, 28 source countries
    Changefrom USD 168m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 17,819 a tonne, 62,100 tonnes
    USD 1.1bnin 2024
  16. 16

    Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other...HS 851762

    Share of South Korea's imports43 per cent, 92 source countries
    Changedown 41 per cent on 2022 (USD 1.8bn in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 129,532 a tonne, 8,092 tonnes
    USD 1.0bnin 2024
  17. 17

    Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326HS 732690

    Share of South Korea's imports53 per cent, 109 source countries
    Changeup 10 per cent on 2022 (USD 917m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,698 a tonne, 375,105 tonnes
    USD 1.0bnin 2024
  18. 18

    Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles: of man-made fibres, knitted or crochetedHS 611030

    Share of South Korea's imports77 per cent, 90 source countries
    Changeup 162 per cent on 2022 (USD 373m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 33,729 a tonne, 29,008 tonnes
    USD 978min 2024
  19. 19

    Salts of oxometallic or peroxometallic acids: n.e.c. in heading no. 2841HS 284190

    Share of South Korea's imports86 per cent, 35 source countries
    Changefrom USD 148m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 23,968 a tonne, 39,423 tonnes
    USD 945min 2024
  20. 20

    Units of automatic data processing machines: processing units other than those of item no. 8471.41 or 8471.49, whether or not containing in the same housing one or two...HS 847150

    Share of South Korea's imports35 per cent, 69 source countries
    Changedown 35 per cent on 2022 (USD 1.4bn in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 198,922 a tonne, 4,447 tonnes
    USD 885min 2024
  21. 21

    Chemical elements: doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers or similar forms: chemical compounds doped for use in electronicsHS 381800

    Share of South Korea's imports34 per cent, 42 source countries
    Changeup 9 per cent on 2022 (USD 775m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 844min 2024
  22. 22

    Electric motors: of an output not exceeding 37.5WHS 850110

    Share of South Korea's imports47 per cent, 66 source countries
    Changeup 220 per cent on 2022 (USD 263m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 49,024 a tonne, 17,172 tonnes
    USD 842min 2024
  23. 23

    Reception and transmission apparatus: for use with the apparatus of heading no. 8524 to 8528, excluding aerials and aerial reflectorsHS 852990

    Share of South Korea's imports39 per cent, 83 source countries
    Changedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 828m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 793min 2024
  24. 24

    Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or girls', of synthetic fibres (not knitted or crocheted)HS 620463

    Share of South Korea's imports77 per cent, 80 source countries
    Changeup 82 per cent on 2022 (USD 435m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 50,526 a tonne, 15,646 tonnes
    USD 791min 2024
  25. 25

    Aluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm, alloys, rectangular (including square)HS 760612

    Share of South Korea's imports65 per cent, 43 source countries
    Changedown 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 865m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3,556 a tonne, 214,616 tonnes
    USD 763min 2024
  26. 26

    Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39HS 392690

    Share of South Korea's imports48 per cent, 123 source countries
    Changeup 10 per cent on 2022 (USD 692m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 7,896 a tonne, 96,508 tonnes
    USD 762min 2024
  27. 27

    Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys: dolls' carriages: dolls: other toys: reduced-size (scale) models and similar recreational models, working or...HS 950300

    Share of South Korea's imports84 per cent, 96 source countries
    Changedown 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 845m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 11,887 a tonne, 58,473 tonnes
    USD 695min 2024
  28. 28

    Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated), plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically)HS 721049

    Share of South Korea's imports86 per cent, 26 source countries
    Changeup 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 590m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 661 a tonne, 1,013,521 tonnes
    USD 670min 2024
  29. 29

    Iron or non-alloy steel: (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, without patterns in relief, of a thickness exceeding 10mmHS 720851

    Share of South Korea's imports62 per cent, 18 source countries
    Changeup 37 per cent on 2022 (USD 485m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 641 a tonne, 1,039,100 tonnes
    USD 666min 2024
  30. 30

    Seats: with wooden frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture)HS 940161

    Share of South Korea's imports91 per cent, 54 source countries
    Changeup 135 per cent on 2022 (USD 234m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 7,998 a tonne, 68,724 tonnes
    USD 550min 2024
  31. 31

    Cases and containers: n.e.c. in heading 4202, with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materialsHS 420292

    Share of South Korea's imports68 per cent, 99 source countries
    Changeup 33 per cent on 2022 (USD 373m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 495min 2024
  32. 32

    Chemical products, mixtures and preparations: n.e.c. heading 3824HS 382499

    Share of South Korea's imports30 per cent, 76 source countries
    Changedown 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 558m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,769 a tonne, 279,340 tonnes
    USD 494min 2024
  33. 33

    Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a...HS 853710

    Share of South Korea's imports27 per cent, 100 source countries
    Changeup 5 per cent on 2022 (USD 461m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 45,475 a tonne, 10,656 tonnes
    USD 485min 2024
  34. 34

    Vacuum cleaners, with self-contained electric motor, of a power not exceeding 1,500 W and having a dust bag or other receptacle capacity not exceeding 20LHS 850811

    Share of South Korea's imports78 per cent, 41 source countries
    Changeup 86 per cent on 2022 (USD 257m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 24,919 a tonne, 19,182 tonnes
    USD 478min 2024
  35. 35

    Units of automatic data processing machines: n.e.c. in item no. 8471.50, 8471.60 or 8471.70HS 847180

    Share of South Korea's imports71 per cent, 66 source countries
    Changedown 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 528m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 269,824 a tonne, 1,698 tonnes
    USD 458min 2024
  36. 36

    Vehicle parts: gear boxes and parts thereofHS 870840

    Share of South Korea's imports36 per cent, 61 source countries
    Changeup 102 per cent on 2022 (USD 223m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 12,955 a tonne, 34,750 tonnes
    USD 450min 2024
  37. 37

    Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances: for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including thermostatically controlled valvesHS 848180

    Share of South Korea's imports28 per cent, 90 source countries
    Changeup 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 427m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 442min 2024
  38. 38

    Semiconductor media: solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37HS 852351

    Share of South Korea's imports30 per cent, 62 source countries
    Changedown 51 per cent on 2022 (USD 890m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 493,663 a tonne, 883 tonnes
    USD 436min 2024
  39. 39

    Units of automatic data processing machines: input or output units, whether or not containing storage units in the same housingHS 847160

    Share of South Korea's imports83 per cent, 77 source countries
    Changedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 506m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 45,848 a tonne, 9,408 tonnes
    USD 431min 2024
  40. 40

    Air conditioning machines: with motor driven fan and elements for temperature control, parts thereofHS 841590

    Share of South Korea's imports70 per cent, 71 source countries
    Changeup 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 388m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 7,679 a tonne, 56,004 tonnes
    USD 430min 2024
  41. 41

    Electrical machines and apparatus: having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter, n.e.c. in heading no. 8543HS 854370

    Share of South Korea's imports33 per cent, 92 source countries
    Changedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 417m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 407min 2024
  42. 42

    Mechano-therapy appliances: massage apparatus and psychological aptitude-testing apparatusHS 901910

    Share of South Korea's imports96 per cent, 59 source countries
    Changedown 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 454m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 403min 2024
  43. 43

    Engines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87, of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1000ccHS 840734

    Share of South Korea's imports35 per cent, 31 source countries
    Changefrom USD 2m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 24,862 a tonne, 16,149 tonnes
    USD 401min 2024
  44. 44

    Compressors: of a kind used in refrigerating equipmentHS 841430

    Share of South Korea's imports66 per cent, 60 source countries
    Changedown 8 per cent on 2022 (USD 417m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 6,331 a tonne, 60,890 tonnes
    USD 385min 2024
  45. 45

    Monitors: other than cathode-ray tube: capable of directly connecting to and designed for use with an automatic data processing machine of heading 84.71HS 852852

    Share of South Korea's imports66 per cent, 57 source countries
    Changedown 39 per cent on 2022 (USD 624m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 380min 2024
  46. 46

    Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectorsHS 854442

    Share of South Korea's imports43 per cent, 97 source countries
    Changedown 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 400m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 16,734 a tonne, 22,520 tonnes
    USD 377min 2024
  47. 47

    Vehicle parts: road wheels and parts and accessories thereofHS 870870

    Share of South Korea's imports90 per cent, 57 source countries
    Changeup 20 per cent on 2022 (USD 313m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3,894 a tonne, 96,285 tonnes
    USD 375min 2024
  48. 48

    Communication apparatus: parts, other than aerials and aerial reflectors of all kindsHS 851779

    Share of South Korea's imports13 per cent, 88 source countries
    Changedown 43 per cent on 2022 (USD 653m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 200,632 a tonne, 1,841 tonnes
    USD 369min 2024
  49. 49

    Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323

    Share of South Korea's imports12 per cent, 49 source countries
    Changefrom USD 1m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 11,224 a tonne, 31,751 tonnes
    USD 356min 2024
  50. 50

    Polyamides: polyamide-6, -11, -12, -6,6, -6,9, -6,10 or -6,12, in primary formsHS 390810

    Share of South Korea's imports71 per cent, 36 source countries
    Changeup 31 per cent on 2022 (USD 266m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,062 a tonne, 168,393 tonnes
    USD 347min 2024
Fastest growing

The lines that grew most since 2022.

Lines worth at least USD 5m in 2022, ranked by growth to 2024 in current dollars. A fast rise can be a new product, a shift away from another source, or a price change; the record does not say which.

  1. Copper: wire, of refined copper, of which the maximum cross-sectional dimension is 6mm or lessHS 740819USD 119m in 2024, from USD 14m in 2022. China supplies 98 per cent of the line.
  2. Graphite or other carbon based preparations: in the form of pastes, blocks, plates or other semi-manufacturesHS 380190USD 61m in 2024, from USD 8m in 2022. China supplies 86 per cent of the line.
  3. Electrical machines and apparatus: for electroplating, electrolysis or electrophoresisHS 854330USD 37m in 2024, from USD 5m in 2022. China supplies 77 per cent of the line.
  4. Insulated electric conductors: winding wire, of copperHS 854411USD 94m in 2024, from USD 14m in 2022. China supplies 83 per cent of the line.
  5. Vehicles: with only electric motor for propulsionHS 870380USD 1.1bn in 2024, from USD 168m in 2022. China supplies 59 per cent of the line.
  6. Salts of oxometallic or peroxometallic acids: n.e.c. in heading no. 2841HS 284190USD 945m in 2024, from USD 148m in 2022. China supplies 86 per cent of the line.
  7. Apparatus based on the use of alpha, beta, gamma or other ionising radiations, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus: for medical, surgical, dental or...HS 902221USD 28m in 2024, up 379 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). China supplies 53 per cent of the line.
  8. Lustres: liquid lustres and similar preparationsHS 320730USD 27m in 2024, up 361 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). China supplies 28 per cent of the line.
  9. Tissue, towel, napkin stock or similar: for household or sanitary use, cellulose, wadding webs of cellulose fibres, in rolls exceeding 36cm in width or rectangular...HS 480300USD 76m in 2024, up 339 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022). China supplies 43 per cent of the line.
  10. Iron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, n.e.c. in heading no. 7214, other than of rectangular cross-sectionHS 721499USD 195m in 2024, up 293 per cent on 2022 (USD 50m in 2022). China supplies 99 per cent of the line.
  11. Nightdresses and pyjamas: women's or girls', of man-made fibres (not knitted or crocheted)HS 620822USD 142m in 2024, up 281 per cent on 2022 (USD 37m in 2022). China supplies 98 per cent of the line.
  12. Ignition or starting equipment: generators n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion enginesHS 851150USD 39m in 2024, up 269 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). China supplies 48 per cent of the line.
  13. Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with aluminium zinc-alloysHS 721061USD 209m in 2024, up 265 per cent on 2022 (USD 57m in 2022). China supplies 99 per cent of the line.
  14. Track suits and other garments n.e.c.: women's or girls', of textile materials n.e.c. in item no. 6211.4 (not knitted or crocheted)HS 621149USD 42m in 2024, up 263 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022). China supplies 30 per cent of the line.
  15. Iron or non-alloy steel: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel: containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon, of rectangular (other than square)...HS 720712USD 60m in 2024, up 262 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022). China supplies 12 per cent of the line.
  16. Shawls, scarves, mufflers, mantillas, veils and the like: knitted or crochetedHS 611710USD 75m in 2024, up 262 per cent on 2022 (USD 21m in 2022). China supplies 84 per cent of the line.
  17. Paper and paperboard: labels or all kinds, printedHS 482110USD 26m in 2024, up 255 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). China supplies 66 per cent of the line.
  18. Generators: producer gas, water gas, acetylene gas and similar water process gas generators, with or without their purifiersHS 840510USD 24m in 2024, up 235 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). China supplies 38 per cent of the line.
  19. Lamps and light fittings: parts thereof, of plasticsHS 940592USD 28m in 2024, up 235 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). China supplies 96 per cent of the line.
  20. Machinery parts: not containing electrical connectors, insulators, coils, contacts or other electrical features, n.e.c. in chapter 84, other than ships' or boats'...HS 848790USD 65m in 2024, up 233 per cent on 2022 (USD 19m in 2022). China supplies 29 per cent of the line.
Where China dominates

Lines where China supplies 60 per cent or more.

The largest lines worth USD 1m or more where China ships at least 60 per cent of what South Korea imports. This is supply concentration: how much of the line depends on one source country.

  1. Electronic integrated circuits: memoriesHS 85423281 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 16bn; 51 source countries in all.
  2. Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 85076085 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 4.0bn; 55 source countries in all.
  3. Automatic data processing machines: portable, weighing not more than 10kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a displayHS 84713067 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 2.3bn; 84 source countries in all.
  4. Flat panel display modules, whether or not incorporating touch-sensitive screens: of liquid crystals, with drivers or control circuitsHS 85249180 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 1.9bn; 56 source countries in all.
  5. Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 73089093 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 1.8bn; 54 source countries in all.
  6. Telephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networksHS 85171367 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 1.5bn; 99 source countries in all.
  7. Lithium oxide and hydroxideHS 28252085 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 1.4bn; 19 source countries in all.
  8. Granite: articles thereof, (other than simply cut or sawn, with a flat or even surface)HS 68029399 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 1.2bn; 21 source countries in all.
  9. Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles: of man-made fibres, knitted or crochetedHS 61103077 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 978m; 90 source countries in all.
  10. Salts of oxometallic or peroxometallic acids: n.e.c. in heading no. 2841HS 28419086 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 945m; 35 source countries in all.
  11. Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or girls', of synthetic fibres (not knitted or crocheted)HS 62046377 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 791m; 80 source countries in all.
  12. Aluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm, alloys, rectangular (including square)HS 76061265 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 763m; 43 source countries in all.
  13. Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys: dolls' carriages: dolls: other toys: reduced-size (scale) models and similar recreational models, working or...HS 95030084 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 695m; 96 source countries in all.
  14. Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated), plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically)HS 72104986 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 670m; 26 source countries in all.
  15. Iron or non-alloy steel: (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, without patterns in relief, of a thickness exceeding 10mmHS 72085162 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 666m; 18 source countries in all.
  16. Seats: with wooden frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture)HS 94016191 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 550m; 54 source countries in all.
  17. Cases and containers: n.e.c. in heading 4202, with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materialsHS 42029268 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 495m; 99 source countries in all.
  18. Vacuum cleaners, with self-contained electric motor, of a power not exceeding 1,500 W and having a dust bag or other receptacle capacity not exceeding 20LHS 85081178 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 478m; 41 source countries in all.
  19. Units of automatic data processing machines: n.e.c. in item no. 8471.50, 8471.60 or 8471.70HS 84718071 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 458m; 66 source countries in all.
  20. Units of automatic data processing machines: input or output units, whether or not containing storage units in the same housingHS 84716083 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 431m; 77 source countries in all.
Another source, lower unit value

Where another country ships the same line for at least 20 per cent less a tonne.

Lines worth USD 5m or more where China's unit value is recorded and another country also ships at least USD 5m of the same line to South Korea at a unit value at least 20 per cent lower. The largest such source is named. The same heading can hold different grades, so a lower figure is a question to ask, not a like-for-like price.

  1. Electronic integrated circuits: memoriesHS 854232China: USD 16bn at USD 18.5m a tonne. Vietnam: USD 154m (1 per cent of the line) at USD 13.3m a tonne, 28 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 10.2m a tonne.
  2. Flat panel display modules, whether or not incorporating touch-sensitive screens: of liquid crystals, with drivers or control circuitsHS 852491China: USD 1.9bn at USD 69,392 a tonne. Taiwan: USD 201m (9 per cent of the line) at USD 51,362 a tonne, 26 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 48,386 a tonne.
  3. Electronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or...HS 854231China: USD 1.9bn at USD 2.1m a tonne. Thailand: USD 186m (1 per cent of the line) at USD 1.6m a tonne, 24 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 6.3m a tonne.
  4. Telephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networksHS 851713China: USD 1.5bn at USD 1.1m a tonne. Vietnam: USD 713m (32 per cent of the line) at USD 778,129 a tonne, 32 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 1.1m a tonne.
  5. Electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542HS 854239China: USD 1.4bn at USD 1.1m a tonne. Vietnam: USD 19m (under 1 per cent of the line) at USD 765,096 a tonne, 33 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 3.3m a tonne.
  6. Lithium oxide and hydroxideHS 282520China: USD 1.4bn at USD 16,166 a tonne. Australia: USD 22m (1 per cent of the line) at USD 10,921 a tonne, 32 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 13,040 a tonne.
  7. Electrical static convertersHS 850440China: USD 1.1bn at USD 41,406 a tonne. Philippines: USD 16m (1 per cent of the line) at USD 21,090 a tonne, 49 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 93,204 a tonne.
  8. Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326HS 732690China: USD 1.0bn at USD 2,698 a tonne. Vietnam: USD 53m (3 per cent of the line) at USD 2,029 a tonne, 25 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 7,702 a tonne.
  9. Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles: of man-made fibres, knitted or crochetedHS 611030China: USD 978m at USD 33,729 a tonne. Vietnam: USD 118m (9 per cent of the line) at USD 23,253 a tonne, 31 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 61,569 a tonne.
  10. Salts of oxometallic or peroxometallic acids: n.e.c. in heading no. 2841HS 284190China: USD 945m at USD 23,968 a tonne. United States: USD 16m (2 per cent of the line) at USD 7,246 a tonne, 70 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 8,569 a tonne.
  11. Electric motors: of an output not exceeding 37.5WHS 850110China: USD 842m at USD 49,024 a tonne. Vietnam: USD 114m (6 per cent of the line) at USD 15,935 a tonne, 68 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 72,585 a tonne.
  12. Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or girls', of synthetic fibres (not knitted or crocheted)HS 620463China: USD 791m at USD 50,526 a tonne. Vietnam: USD 172m (17 per cent of the line) at USD 30,130 a tonne, 40 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 53,187 a tonne.
  13. Seats: with wooden frames, upholstered, (excluding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary or barber furniture)HS 940161China: USD 550m at USD 7,998 a tonne. Vietnam: USD 26m (4 per cent of the line) at USD 4,284 a tonne, 46 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 20,616 a tonne.
  14. Chemical products, mixtures and preparations: n.e.c. heading 3824HS 382499China: USD 494m at USD 1,769 a tonne. Indonesia: USD 46m (3 per cent of the line) at USD 1,164 a tonne, 34 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 5,089 a tonne.
  15. Vacuum cleaners, with self-contained electric motor, of a power not exceeding 1,500 W and having a dust bag or other receptacle capacity not exceeding 20LHS 850811China: USD 478m at USD 24,919 a tonne. Malaysia: USD 28m (5 per cent of the line) at USD 19,746 a tonne, 21 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 27,718 a tonne.
  16. Engines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87, of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1000ccHS 840734China: USD 401m at USD 24,862 a tonne. Japan: USD 10m (1 per cent of the line) at USD 6,990 a tonne, 72 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 25,235 a tonne.
  17. Compressors: of a kind used in refrigerating equipmentHS 841430China: USD 385m at USD 6,331 a tonne. India: USD 11m (2 per cent of the line) at USD 4,410 a tonne, 30 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 13,615 a tonne.
  18. Communication apparatus: parts, other than aerials and aerial reflectors of all kindsHS 851779China: USD 369m at USD 200,632 a tonne. Japan: USD 10m (under 1 per cent of the line) at USD 159,001 a tonne, 21 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 564,656 a tonne.
  19. Electrical capacitors: fixed, ceramic dielectric, multilayerHS 853224China: USD 329m at USD 183,742 a tonne. Philippines: USD 45m (5 per cent of the line) at USD 138,067 a tonne, 25 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 289,875 a tonne.
  20. Electrical apparatus: transistors, (other than photosensitive), with a dissipation rate of 1W or moreHS 854129China: USD 309m at USD 379,046 a tonne. Thailand: USD 16m (2 per cent of the line) at USD 221,127 a tonne, 42 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 633,098 a tonne.
What this record says

What crossed the border, what it was worth, and what it weighed.

Every figure on this page is from CEPII's BACI file, which reconciles what each pair of countries reports to the UN about the same shipment. Trade year 2024, compared with 2022. A line is one six-digit customs heading (HS 2022). Values are in US dollars at the border; growth is in current dollars, so part of any change is price, not volume.

Unit value. Unit values are customs values per tonne, declared at the border, not product prices. It is the value of a line divided by its declared weight, so it mixes grades, models and qualities under one heading. It is shown only where the weight is recorded, at least three source countries of USD 100k or more ship the line to South Korea with a weight, and the figure sits within a factor of five of the middle of those sources. Outside that band it is treated as a recording problem and left out.

Share is China's part of everything South Korea imported in that line, from every source. Sources counts the countries that shipped any of it.

Scope. Manufactured and processed goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, without ores, fuels, precious metals, scrap, raw farm output and one-off capital and defence purchases: the same rule as the Made here pages.

What it does not say

A record of trade, not a shopping list.

What this record does not say: what sells at retail, what margin a trade leaves, how crowded the marketplaces are, or how much of a flow is re-exported through entrepots such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

A large line is not proof of an opening, and a lower unit value from another country is not proof the goods are the same. Tariffs, standards, freight, payment terms, lead times and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. Nothing on this page is a forecast, a recommendation or a promise. No supplier company is named, because the record holds none.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601. Edition of 2026-11-03.

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