What South Korea buys from Germany.
South Korea imported USD 19bn of manufactured and processed goods from Germany in 2024, down 10 per cent on 2022. That is 5 per cent of everything South Korea imported in these lines, and Germany is its number 6 source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where Germany 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.
The largest lines on the lane, by 2024 value.
Each line shows what South Korea paid Germany for it at the border, Germany'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 55 per cent of the lane.
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1
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323
Share of South Korea's imports52 per cent, 49 source countriesChangedown 26 per cent on 2022 (USD 2.1bn in 2022)Unit valueUSD 19,967 a tonne, 77,967 tonnesUSD 1.6bnin 2024 -
2
Vehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by plugging to external source of...HS 870340
Share of South Korea's imports38 per cent, 23 source countriesChangedown 31 per cent on 2022 (USD 2.1bn in 2022)Unit valueUSD 15,597 a tonne, 94,911 tonnesUSD 1.5bnin 2024 -
3
Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300490
Share of South Korea's imports17 per cent, 95 source countriesChangeup 10 per cent on 2022 (USD 599m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 70,519 a tonne, 9,373 tonnesUSD 661min 2024 -
4
Vehicles: with only electric motor for propulsionHS 870380
Share of South Korea's imports31 per cent, 28 source countriesChangedown 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 704m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 21,242 a tonne, 26,910 tonnesUSD 572min 2024 -
5
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 imports2 per cent, 68 source countriesChangedown 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 531m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 9.8m a tonne, 48 tonnesUSD 465min 2024 -
6
Vehicles: with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by...HS 870350
Share of South Korea's imports46 per cent, 7 source countriesChangeup 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 305m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 24,498 a tonne, 14,515 tonnesUSD 356min 2024 -
7
Machines and apparatus of heading 8486: parts and accessoriesHS 848690
Share of South Korea's imports9 per cent, 63 source countriesChangeup 40 per cent on 2022 (USD 247m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1.9m a tonne, 186 tonnesUSD 345min 2024 -
8
Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products: immunological products, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail...HS 300215
Share of South Korea's imports19 per cent, 52 source countriesChangeup 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 308m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 2.9m a tonne, 115 tonnesUSD 328min 2024 -
9
Electrical static convertersHS 850440
Share of South Korea's imports12 per cent, 95 source countriesChangedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 301m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 191,800 a tonne, 1,504 tonnesUSD 289min 2024 -
10
Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500ccHS 870332
Share of South Korea's imports81 per cent, 28 source countriesChangedown 54 per cent on 2022 (USD 487m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 22,999 a tonne, 9,739 tonnesUSD 224min 2024 -
11
Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690
Share of South Korea's imports10 per cent, 119 source countriesChangedown 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 237m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 20,169 a tonne, 9,647 tonnesUSD 195min 2024 -
12
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 3000ccHS 870324
Share of South Korea's imports22 per cent, 24 source countriesChangedown 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 258m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 62,921 a tonne, 2,862 tonnesUSD 180min 2024 -
13
Electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542HS 854239
Share of South Korea's imports2 per cent, 95 source countriesChangedown 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 225m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 6.3m a tonne, 28 tonnesUSD 177min 2024 -
14
Lasers: other than laser diodesHS 901320
Share of South Korea's imports27 per cent, 42 source countriesChangeup 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 136m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 534,642 a tonne, 296 tonnesUSD 158min 2024 -
15
Machines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions, n.e.c. or included in this chapterHS 847989
Share of South Korea's imports13 per cent, 73 source countriesChangedown 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 174m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 71,935 a tonne, 2,155 tonnesUSD 155min 2024 -
16
Instruments, appliances and machines: for measuring or checking n.e.c. in chapter 90HS 903180
Share of South Korea's imports12 per cent, 99 source countriesChangeup 37 per cent on 2022 (USD 112m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 156,091 a tonne, 988 tonnesUSD 154min 2024 -
17
Optical elements: n.e.c. in heading no. 9002 (e.g. prisms and mirrors), mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of any material (excluding...HS 900290
Share of South Korea's imports27 per cent, 49 source countriesChangeup 128 per cent on 2022 (USD 67m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 2.6m a tonne, 58 tonnesUSD 153min 2024 -
18
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 imports8 per cent, 100 source countriesChangeup 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 125m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 227,717 a tonne, 653 tonnesUSD 149min 2024 -
19
Vehicle parts: gear boxes and parts thereofHS 870840
Share of South Korea's imports12 per cent, 61 source countriesChangeup 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 118m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 26,562 a tonne, 5,465 tonnesUSD 145min 2024 -
20
Vehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, capable of being charged by plugging to external source of...HS 870360
Share of South Korea's imports32 per cent, 9 source countriesChangedown 54 per cent on 2022 (USD 313m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 22,987 a tonne, 6,254 tonnesUSD 144min 2024 -
21
Reagents: diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, whether or not put up in the form of...HS 382219
Share of South Korea's imports16 per cent, 80 source countriesChangeup 24 per cent on 2022 (USD 105m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 251,354 a tonne, 521 tonnesUSD 131min 2024 -
22
Vehicles: crane lorriesHS 870510
Share of South Korea's imports83 per cent, 7 source countriesChangeup 304 per cent on 2022 (USD 32m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 11,865 a tonne, 10,834 tonnesUSD 129min 2024 -
23
Engines: parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition)HS 840999
Share of South Korea's imports24 per cent, 100 source countriesChangeup 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 115m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 104,992 a tonne, 1,218 tonnesUSD 128min 2024 -
24
Amine-function compounds: aromatic monoamines and their derivatives: salts thereof: n.e.c. in item no. 2921.4HS 292149
Share of South Korea's imports77 per cent, 25 source countriesChangeup 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 112m in 2022)Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 120min 2024 -
25
Gears and gearing: (not toothed wheels, chain sprockets and other transmission elements presented separately): ball or roller screws: gear boxes and other speed...HS 848340
Share of South Korea's imports24 per cent, 66 source countriesChangeup 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 102m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 23,460 a tonne, 4,972 tonnesUSD 117min 2024 -
26
Chemical products, mixtures and preparations: n.e.c. heading 3824HS 382499
Share of South Korea's imports6 per cent, 76 source countriesChangedown 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 143m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 6,271 a tonne, 17,087 tonnesUSD 107min 2024 -
27
Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or of electronic integrated circuitsHS 848620
Share of South Korea's imports1 per cent, 36 source countriesChangeup 119 per cent on 2022 (USD 49m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 489,264 a tonne, 219 tonnesUSD 107min 2024 -
28
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 imports7 per cent, 90 source countriesChangedown 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 120m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 73,961 a tonne, 1,445 tonnesUSD 107min 2024 -
29
Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890
Share of South Korea's imports9 per cent, 92 source countriesChangedown 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 131m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 78,229 a tonne, 1,318 tonnesUSD 103min 2024 -
30
Pumps and compressors: for air, vacuum or gas, n.e.c. in heading no. 8414HS 841480
Share of South Korea's imports12 per cent, 68 source countriesChangeup 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 70m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 39,464 a tonne, 2,401 tonnesUSD 95min 2024 -
31
Machinery: for filtering or purifying liquids, n.e.c. in item no. 8421.2HS 842129
Share of South Korea's imports20 per cent, 58 source countriesChangeup 42 per cent on 2022 (USD 61m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 31,649 a tonne, 2,740 tonnesUSD 87min 2024 -
32
Electrical apparatus: parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading no. 8535, 8536 or 8537HS 853890
Share of South Korea's imports11 per cent, 97 source countriesChangedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 100m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 126,736 a tonne, 672 tonnesUSD 85min 2024 -
33
Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899
Share of South Korea's imports11 per cent, 125 source countriesChangeup 89 per cent on 2022 (USD 45m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 32,682 a tonne, 2,594 tonnesUSD 85min 2024 -
34
Vehicle parts: suspension systems and parts thereof (including shock-absorbers)HS 870880
Share of South Korea's imports40 per cent, 62 source countriesChangedown 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 103m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 34,664 a tonne, 2,402 tonnesUSD 83min 2024 -
35
Vehicles: bumpers and parts thereof, for the vehicles of heading no. 8701 to 8705HS 870810
Share of South Korea's imports51 per cent, 55 source countriesChangeup 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 77m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 69,181 a tonne, 1,181 tonnesUSD 82min 2024 -
36
Machinery: for filtering or purifying gases, other than intake air filters, catalytic converters or particulate filters for internal combustion enginesHS 842139
Share of South Korea's imports17 per cent, 64 source countriesChangeup 35 per cent on 2022 (USD 58m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 51,990 a tonne, 1,492 tonnesUSD 78min 2024 -
37
Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 2500ccHS 870333
Share of South Korea's imports40 per cent, 13 source countriesChangedown 80 per cent on 2022 (USD 376m in 2022)Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 77min 2024 -
38
Pumps: reciprocating positive displacement pumps, n.e.c. in heading no. 8413, for liquidsHS 841350
Share of South Korea's imports31 per cent, 57 source countriesChangedown 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 84m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 46,604 a tonne, 1,582 tonnesUSD 74min 2024 -
39
Machinery: parts of machines handling earth, minerals or ores and n.e.c. in heading no. 8431HS 843149
Share of South Korea's imports19 per cent, 62 source countriesChangedown 33 per cent on 2022 (USD 111m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 6,945 a tonne, 10,610 tonnesUSD 74min 2024 -
40
Vehicles: parts and accessories, of bodies, other than safety seat beltsHS 870829
Share of South Korea's imports15 per cent, 79 source countriesChangeup 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 71m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 60,733 a tonne, 1,207 tonnesUSD 73min 2024 -
41
Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture or repair of masks and reticles, assembling semiconductor devices or electronic...HS 848640
Share of South Korea's imports5 per cent, 31 source countriesChangeup 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 59m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 639,903 a tonne, 114 tonnesUSD 73min 2024 -
42
Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic, other than hydraulic or pneumaticHS 903289
Share of South Korea's imports8 per cent, 70 source countriesChangeup 22 per cent on 2022 (USD 60m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 175,350 a tonne, 415 tonnesUSD 73min 2024 -
43
Valves: for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissionsHS 848120
Share of South Korea's imports21 per cent, 61 source countriesChangeup 73 per cent on 2022 (USD 42m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 75,218 a tonne, 958 tonnesUSD 72min 2024 -
44
Optical instruments and appliances: for measuring or checking, n.e.c. in chapter 90HS 903149
Share of South Korea's imports11 per cent, 64 source countriesChangeup 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 70m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 370,533 a tonne, 194 tonnesUSD 72min 2024 -
45
Medicaments: containing hormones (but not insulin), adrenal cortex hormones or antibiotics, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300439
Share of South Korea's imports14 per cent, 38 source countriesChangeup 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 63m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 290,659 a tonne, 243 tonnesUSD 71min 2024 -
46
Cranes: self-propelled derricks and cranes, not on tyres, n.e.c. in heading no. 8426HS 842649
Share of South Korea's imports49 per cent, 9 source countriesChangefrom USD 489k in 2022Unit valueUSD 7,678 a tonne, 9,083 tonnesUSD 70min 2024 -
47
Electric generating sets: wind-powered, (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines)HS 850231
Share of South Korea's imports88 per cent, 9 source countriesChangefrom USD 8m in 2022Unit valueUSD 16,037 a tonne, 4,245 tonnesUSD 68min 2024 -
48
Silicones: in primary formsHS 391000
Share of South Korea's imports13 per cent, 46 source countriesChangeup 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 66m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 7,771 a tonne, 8,637 tonnesUSD 67min 2024 -
49
Electrical apparatus: plugs and sockets, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 voltsHS 853669
Share of South Korea's imports9 per cent, 81 source countriesChangeup 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 55m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 101,602 a tonne, 644 tonnesUSD 65min 2024 -
50
Electrical apparatus: n.e.c. in heading no. 8536, for switching or protecting electrical circuits, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 voltsHS 853690
Share of South Korea's imports11 per cent, 85 source countriesChangeup 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 57m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 78,950 a tonne, 808 tonnesUSD 64min 2024
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.
- Electric generating sets: wind-powered, (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines)HS 850231USD 68m in 2024, from USD 8m in 2022. Germany supplies 88 per cent of the line.
- Optical instruments and appliances: for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices or for inspecting photomasks or reticles used in manufacturing semiconductor devices...HS 903141USD 60m in 2024, up 396 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022). Germany supplies 4 per cent of the line.
- Vehicles: (not electrical), self-propelled, without handling equipment, used for short distance transport of goods in factories, airports and such, and tractors of the...HS 870919USD 36m in 2024, up 342 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). Germany supplies 59 per cent of the line.
- Heat exchange units: not used for domestic purposesHS 841950USD 63m in 2024, up 331 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022). Germany supplies 17 per cent of the line.
- Vehicles: crane lorriesHS 870510USD 129m in 2024, up 304 per cent on 2022 (USD 32m in 2022). Germany supplies 83 per cent of the line.
- Vehicle parts: safety airbags with inflater system: parts thereofHS 870895USD 30m in 2024, up 198 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022). Germany supplies 6 per cent of the line.
- X-ray tubesHS 902230USD 14m in 2024, up 158 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). Germany supplies 25 per cent of the line.
- Machining centres: for working metalHS 845710USD 31m in 2024, up 153 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022). Germany supplies 21 per cent of the line.
- Refractory ceramic goods: composition of which n.e.c. in heading no. 6903, other than those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earthsHS 690390USD 15m in 2024, up 146 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). Germany supplies 19 per cent of the line.
- Vehicle parts: drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles: parts thereofHS 870850USD 38m in 2024, up 140 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022). Germany supplies 14 per cent of the line.
- Nitrogen-function compounds: n.e.c. in chapter 29, excluding isocyanatesHS 292990USD 25m in 2024, up 136 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022). Germany supplies 54 per cent of the line.
- 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 847150USD 56m in 2024, up 135 per cent on 2022 (USD 24m in 2022). Germany supplies 2 per cent of the line.
- Optical elements: n.e.c. in heading no. 9002 (e.g. prisms and mirrors), mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of any material (excluding...HS 900290USD 153m in 2024, up 128 per cent on 2022 (USD 67m in 2022). Germany supplies 27 per cent of the line.
- Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or of electronic integrated circuitsHS 848620USD 107m in 2024, up 119 per cent on 2022 (USD 49m in 2022). Germany supplies 1 per cent of the line.
- Lighting or signalling equipment: electrical, (excluding articles of heading no. 8539), windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters: parts, of those kinds used for...HS 851290USD 34m in 2024, up 114 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022). Germany supplies 34 per cent of the line.
- Toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products: n.e.c. in item 3002.3HS 300249USD 34m in 2024, up 113 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022). Germany supplies 28 per cent of the line.
- Titanium: other than unwrought, n.e.c. in heading no. 8108HS 810890USD 12m in 2024, up 105 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). Germany supplies 5 per cent of the line.
- Electrical apparatus: transistors, (other than photosensitive), with a dissipation rate of 1W or moreHS 854129USD 61m in 2024, up 98 per cent on 2022 (USD 31m in 2022). Germany supplies 9 per cent of the line.
- Microscopes, compound optical: stereoscopic microscopesHS 901110USD 12m in 2024, up 96 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). Germany supplies 71 per cent of the line.
- Electrical apparatus: photosensitive semiconductor devices, diodes other than light emitting diodes and photovoltaic cells whether or not assembled in modules or made...HS 854149USD 17m in 2024, up 96 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). Germany supplies 6 per cent of the line.
Lines where Germany supplies 60 per cent or more.
The largest lines worth USD 1m or more where Germany 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.
- Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500ccHS 87033281 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 224m; 28 source countries in all.
- Vehicles: crane lorriesHS 87051083 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 129m; 7 source countries in all.
- Amine-function compounds: aromatic monoamines and their derivatives: salts thereof: n.e.c. in item no. 2921.4HS 29214977 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 120m; 25 source countries in all.
- Electric generating sets: wind-powered, (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines)HS 85023188 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 68m; 9 source countries in all.
- Chain: articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steelHS 73151261 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 30m; 32 source countries in all.
- Razors: safety razor blades, including razor blade blanks in stripsHS 82122062 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 23m; 31 source countries in all.
- Metal-rolling mills: coldHS 84552273 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 21m; 9 source countries in all.
- Printing machinery: offset, reel-fedHS 84431185 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 18m; 9 source countries in all.
- Microscopes, compound optical: stereoscopic microscopesHS 90111071 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 12m; 18 source countries in all.
- Turbines: steam and other vapour turbines, (for other than marine propulsion), of an output exceeding 40MWHS 84068164 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 11m; 3 source countries in all.
- Cranes: mobile lifting frames on tyres and straddle carriersHS 84261287 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 10m; 7 source countries in all.
- Machines for additive manufacturing: by metal depositHS 84851069 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 9m; 9 source countries in all.
- Tractors: road tractors for semi-trailers, with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motors for propulsionHS 870123100 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 8m; 2 source countries in all.
- Metal-rolling mills: hot or combination hot and cold rolling millsHS 84552182 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 7m; 3 source countries in all.
- Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or...HS 87021091 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 6m; 7 source countries in all.
- Vinyl acetate copolymers: (other than in aqueous dispersion), in primary formsHS 39052965 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 4m; 16 source countries in all.
- Iron or steel, railway or tramway track construction material: switch blades, crossing frogs, point rods and other crossing piecesHS 73023074 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 4m; 6 source countries in all.
- Dryers: lyophilisation apparatus, freeze drying units and spray dryers, not used for domestic purposesHS 84193367 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 4m; 7 source countries in all.
- Engines: reaction engines, other than turbo-jetsHS 84121086 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 3m; 14 source countries in all.
- Amino-resins: urea and thiourea resins, in primary formsHS 39091074 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 3m; 17 source countries in all.
Where another country ships the same line for at least 20 per cent less a tonne.
Lines worth USD 5m or more where Germany'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.
- Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323Germany: USD 1.6bn at USD 19,967 a tonne. China: USD 356m (12 per cent of the line) at USD 11,224 a tonne, 44 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 18,134 a tonne.
- Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300490Germany: USD 661m at USD 70,519 a tonne. France: USD 266m (7 per cent of the line) at USD 40,731 a tonne, 42 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 70,647 a tonne.
- Electronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or...HS 854231Germany: USD 465m at USD 9.8m a tonne. China: USD 1.9bn (8 per cent of the line) at USD 2.1m a tonne, 79 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 6.3m a tonne.
- Machines and apparatus of heading 8486: parts and accessoriesHS 848690Germany: USD 345m at USD 1.9m a tonne. United States: USD 1.4bn (35 per cent of the line) at USD 391,961 a tonne, 79 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 554,462 a tonne.
- Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products: immunological products, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail...HS 300215Germany: USD 328m at USD 2.9m a tonne. United States: USD 318m (18 per cent of the line) at USD 2.2m a tonne, 22 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 2.1m a tonne.
- Electrical static convertersHS 850440Germany: USD 289m at USD 191,800 a tonne. China: USD 1.1bn (48 per cent of the line) at USD 41,406 a tonne, 78 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 93,204 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500ccHS 870332Germany: USD 224m at USD 22,999 a tonne. Mexico: USD 15m (6 per cent of the line) at USD 16,756 a tonne, 27 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 17,607 a tonne.
- Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690Germany: USD 195m at USD 20,169 a tonne. China: USD 113m (6 per cent of the line) at USD 7,091 a tonne, 65 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 13,027 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 3000ccHS 870324Germany: USD 180m at USD 62,921 a tonne. Austria: USD 135m (17 per cent of the line) at USD 43,532 a tonne, 31 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 62,921 a tonne.
- Electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542HS 854239Germany: USD 177m at USD 6.3m a tonne. China: USD 1.4bn (15 per cent of the line) at USD 1.1m a tonne, 82 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 3.3m a tonne.
- Lasers: other than laser diodesHS 901320Germany: USD 158m at USD 534,642 a tonne. China: USD 23m (4 per cent of the line) at USD 220,769 a tonne, 59 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 781,729 a tonne.
- Machines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions, n.e.c. or included in this chapterHS 847989Germany: USD 155m at USD 71,935 a tonne. China: USD 327m (27 per cent of the line) at USD 12,964 a tonne, 82 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 42,030 a tonne.
- Instruments, appliances and machines: for measuring or checking n.e.c. in chapter 90HS 903180Germany: USD 154m at USD 156,091 a tonne. China: USD 258m (20 per cent of the line) at USD 57,457 a tonne, 63 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 235,787 a tonne.
- Optical elements: n.e.c. in heading no. 9002 (e.g. prisms and mirrors), mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of any material (excluding...HS 900290Germany: USD 153m at USD 2.6m a tonne. China: USD 73m (13 per cent of the line) at USD 1.8m a tonne, 33 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 2.0m a tonne.
- 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 853710Germany: USD 149m at USD 227,717 a tonne. China: USD 485m (27 per cent of the line) at USD 45,475 a tonne, 80 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 121,660 a tonne.
- Vehicle parts: gear boxes and parts thereofHS 870840Germany: USD 145m at USD 26,562 a tonne. China: USD 450m (36 per cent of the line) at USD 12,955 a tonne, 51 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 21,523 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, capable of being charged by plugging to external source of...HS 870360Germany: USD 144m at USD 22,987 a tonne. Japan: USD 75m (17 per cent of the line) at USD 18,108 a tonne, 21 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 22,157 a tonne.
- Reagents: diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on a backing, whether or not put up in the form of...HS 382219Germany: USD 131m at USD 251,354 a tonne. United States: USD 315m (39 per cent of the line) at USD 136,972 a tonne, 46 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 177,316 a tonne.
- Vehicles: crane lorriesHS 870510Germany: USD 129m at USD 11,865 a tonne. China: USD 17m (11 per cent of the line) at USD 5,862 a tonne, 51 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 11,865 a tonne.
- Engines: parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition)HS 840999Germany: USD 128m at USD 104,992 a tonne. China: USD 118m (22 per cent of the line) at USD 8,385 a tonne, 92 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 40,020 a tonne.
What South Korea buys from everyone, and what it is placed to make.
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 Germany'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.
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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