Trade lane

What South Korea buys from Japan.

South Korea imported USD 35bn of manufactured and processed goods from Japan in 2024, down 15 per cent on 2022. That is 9 per cent of everything South Korea imported in these lines, and Japan is its number 3 source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where Japan 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 35bnfrom Japan in 2024 (USD 41bn in 2022)
9 per centof South Korea's imports in these lines, USD 370bn from every source
1,394product lines worth USD 1m or more on this lane
#3Japan'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 Japan for it at the border, Japan'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 47 per cent of the lane.

  1. 1

    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 imports23 per cent, 36 source countries
    Changedown 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 3.3bn in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 238,536 a tonne, 11,495 tonnes
    USD 2.7bnin 2024
  2. 2

    Machines and apparatus of heading 8486: parts and accessoriesHS 848690

    Share of South Korea's imports19 per cent, 63 source countries
    Changedown 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 901m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 166,096 a tonne, 4,705 tonnes
    USD 781min 2024
  3. 3

    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 imports30 per cent, 42 source countries
    Changedown 16 per cent on 2022 (USD 888m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 515,493 a tonne, 1,453 tonnes
    USD 749min 2024
  4. 4

    Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, of a thickness of less than 3mmHS 720839

    Share of South Korea's imports67 per cent, 6 source countries
    Changedown 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 743m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 554 a tonne, 1,096,638 tonnes
    USD 608min 2024
  5. 5

    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 imports15 per cent, 23 source countries
    Changeup 95 per cent on 2022 (USD 300m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 16,331 a tonne, 35,715 tonnes
    USD 583min 2024
  6. 6

    Circuits: printedHS 853400

    Share of South Korea's imports20 per cent, 70 source countries
    Changedown 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 647m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1.5m a tonne, 390 tonnes
    USD 566min 2024
  7. 7

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

    Share of South Korea's imports32 per cent, 76 source countries
    Changedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 558m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 8,580 a tonne, 62,444 tonnes
    USD 536min 2024
  8. 8

    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 imports24 per cent, 31 source countries
    Changeup 32 per cent on 2022 (USD 298m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 138,990 a tonne, 2,829 tonnes
    USD 393min 2024
  9. 9

    Electrical capacitors: fixed, ceramic dielectric, multilayerHS 853224

    Share of South Korea's imports45 per cent, 58 source countries
    Changedown 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 408m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1.1m a tonne, 338 tonnes
    USD 380min 2024
  10. 10

    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 imports35 per cent, 18 source countries
    Changedown 61 per cent on 2022 (USD 970m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 731 a tonne, 519,217 tonnes
    USD 379min 2024
  11. 11

    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 720712

    Share of South Korea's imports76 per cent, 6 source countries
    Changedown 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 430m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 506 a tonne, 731,305 tonnes
    USD 370min 2024
  12. 12

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

    Share of South Korea's imports19 per cent, 109 source countries
    Changedown 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 369m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 7,427 a tonne, 49,218 tonnes
    USD 366min 2024
  13. 13

    Photographic goods: chemical preparations other than sensitised emulsions, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for useHS 370790

    Share of South Korea's imports72 per cent, 30 source countries
    Changedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 422m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 361min 2024
  14. 14

    Optical instruments and appliances: for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices or for inspecting photomasks or reticles used in manufacturing semiconductor devices...HS 903141

    Share of South Korea's imports24 per cent, 29 source countries
    Changeup 60 per cent on 2022 (USD 221m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 908,682 a tonne, 390 tonnes
    USD 354min 2024
  15. 15

    Instruments and apparatus: for measuring or checking semiconductor wafers or devices (including integrated circuits)HS 903082

    Share of South Korea's imports27 per cent, 33 source countries
    Changedown 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 425m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 326min 2024
  16. 16

    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 imports18 per cent, 100 source countries
    Changedown 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 379m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 64,415 a tonne, 4,812 tonnes
    USD 310min 2024
  17. 17

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of poly(ethylene terephthalate), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly...HS 392062

    Share of South Korea's imports60 per cent, 42 source countries
    Changedown 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 275m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 11,048 a tonne, 24,403 tonnes
    USD 270min 2024
  18. 18

    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 imports21 per cent, 92 source countries
    Changeup 9 per cent on 2022 (USD 242m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 846,891 a tonne, 310 tonnes
    USD 263min 2024
  19. 19

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip, other flat shapes thereof, self-adhesive, other than in rolls of a width not exceeding 20cmHS 391990

    Share of South Korea's imports49 per cent, 79 source countries
    Changeup 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 245m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 46,240 a tonne, 5,661 tonnes
    USD 262min 2024
  20. 20

    Cyclic hydrocarbons: tolueneHS 290230

    Share of South Korea's imports70 per cent, 11 source countries
    Changedown 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 280m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 819 a tonne, 318,874 tonnes
    USD 261min 2024
  21. 21

    Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, of a thickness of 3mm or more but less than 4.75mmHS 720838

    Share of South Korea's imports57 per cent, 4 source countries
    Changeup 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 258m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 549 a tonne, 474,813 tonnes
    USD 261min 2024
  22. 22

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3920, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or...HS 392099

    Share of South Korea's imports71 per cent, 50 source countries
    Changedown 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 309m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 36,893 a tonne, 6,847 tonnes
    USD 253min 2024
  23. 23

    Microscopes (excluding optical microscopes): diffraction apparatusHS 901210

    Share of South Korea's imports40 per cent, 31 source countries
    Changedown 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 273m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 388,286 a tonne, 624 tonnes
    USD 242min 2024
  24. 24

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

    Share of South Korea's imports3 per cent, 95 source countries
    Changedown 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 283m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1.0m a tonne, 231 tonnes
    USD 242min 2024
  25. 25

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3921, cellularHS 392119

    Share of South Korea's imports50 per cent, 52 source countries
    Changedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 242m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 67,447 a tonne, 3,448 tonnes
    USD 233min 2024
  26. 26

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, other than cellularHS 392190

    Share of South Korea's imports54 per cent, 60 source countries
    Changeup 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 205m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 56,901 a tonne, 4,011 tonnes
    USD 228min 2024
  27. 27

    Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of flat panel displaysHS 848630

    Share of South Korea's imports47 per cent, 14 source countries
    Changedown 54 per cent on 2022 (USD 497m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 87,720 a tonne, 2,587 tonnes
    USD 227min 2024
  28. 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 imports14 per cent, 90 source countries
    Changedown 27 per cent on 2022 (USD 297m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 75,566 a tonne, 2,884 tonnes
    USD 218min 2024
  29. 29

    Optical elements: polarising material, sheets and plates thereofHS 900120

    Share of South Korea's imports60 per cent, 20 source countries
    Changedown 49 per cent on 2022 (USD 413m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 175,559 a tonne, 1,212 tonnes
    USD 213min 2024
  30. 30

    Paints and varnishes: based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous mediumHS 320890

    Share of South Korea's imports66 per cent, 44 source countries
    Changedown 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 256m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 202min 2024
  31. 31

    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 imports5 per cent, 95 source countries
    Changeup 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 190m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 16,635 a tonne, 11,656 tonnes
    USD 194min 2024
  32. 32

    Epoxide resins: in primary formsHS 390730

    Share of South Korea's imports71 per cent, 45 source countries
    Changeup 89 per cent on 2022 (USD 101m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 190min 2024
  33. 33

    Golf clubs: completeHS 950631

    Share of South Korea's imports61 per cent, 38 source countries
    Changedown 49 per cent on 2022 (USD 356m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 179,447 a tonne, 1,015 tonnes
    USD 182min 2024
  34. 34

    Glass of heading no. 7003, 7004 or 7005: bent, edge-worked, engraved, drilled, enamelled or otherwise worked, but not framed or fitted with other materialsHS 700600

    Share of South Korea's imports35 per cent, 37 source countries
    Changedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 188m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 182min 2024
  35. 35

    Machines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions, n.e.c. or included in this chapterHS 847989

    Share of South Korea's imports14 per cent, 73 source countries
    Changelevel with 2022 (USD 176m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 52,038 a tonne, 3,371 tonnes
    USD 175min 2024
  36. 36

    Printing machinery: parts and accessories, n.e.c. in item no. 8443.91HS 844399

    Share of South Korea's imports32 per cent, 68 source countries
    Changedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 176m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 56,719 a tonne, 2,987 tonnes
    USD 169min 2024
  37. 37

    Instruments and apparatus: for physical or chemical analysis, for measuring or checking viscosity, porosity, expansion, surface tension or quantities of heat, sound or...HS 902789

    Share of South Korea's imports31 per cent, 77 source countries
    Changeup 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 157m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 119,322 a tonne, 1,395 tonnes
    USD 166min 2024
  38. 38

    Cyclic hydrocarbons: styreneHS 290250

    Share of South Korea's imports23 per cent, 13 source countries
    Changedown 43 per cent on 2022 (USD 276m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,182 a tonne, 132,937 tonnes
    USD 157min 2024
  39. 39

    Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic, other than hydraulic or pneumaticHS 903289

    Share of South Korea's imports17 per cent, 70 source countries
    Changedown 16 per cent on 2022 (USD 185m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 253,404 a tonne, 613 tonnes
    USD 155min 2024
  40. 40

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

    Share of South Korea's imports10 per cent, 123 source countries
    Changeup 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 148m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 29,680 a tonne, 5,124 tonnes
    USD 152min 2024
  41. 41

    Electrical inductors: n.e.c. in heading no. 8504HS 850450

    Share of South Korea's imports21 per cent, 63 source countries
    Changedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 153m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 147min 2024
  42. 42

    Glass: drawn and blown, in sheets, (other than glass coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting...HS 700490

    Share of South Korea's imports88 per cent, 14 source countries
    Changeup 159 per cent on 2022 (USD 55m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 143min 2024
  43. 43

    Copper: foil, not backed, of a thickness not exceeding 0.15mm, of refined copperHS 741011

    Share of South Korea's imports38 per cent, 27 source countries
    Changedown 10 per cent on 2022 (USD 157m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 50,529 a tonne, 2,814 tonnes
    USD 142min 2024
  44. 44

    Instruments, apparatus for measuring, checking electrical quantities, not meters of heading no. 9028: parts and accessories, for measuring or detecting alpha, beta...HS 903090

    Share of South Korea's imports17 per cent, 55 source countries
    Changeup 10 per cent on 2022 (USD 129m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1.3m a tonne, 108 tonnes
    USD 142min 2024
  45. 45

    Electrical static convertersHS 850440

    Share of South Korea's imports6 per cent, 95 source countries
    Changedown 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 198m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 64,774 a tonne, 2,125 tonnes
    USD 138min 2024
  46. 46

    Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, of a thickness of 4.75mm or more but not exceeding 10mmHS 720837

    Share of South Korea's imports52 per cent, 5 source countries
    Changedown 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 191m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 600 a tonne, 221,997 tonnes
    USD 133min 2024
  47. 47

    Copper: foil, backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing material, of a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.15mm, of refined copperHS 741021

    Share of South Korea's imports34 per cent, 22 source countries
    Changedown 28 per cent on 2022 (USD 179m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 78,677 a tonne, 1,640 tonnes
    USD 129min 2024
  48. 48

    Paints and varnishes: based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous mediumHS 320820

    Share of South Korea's imports75 per cent, 41 source countries
    Changeup 8 per cent on 2022 (USD 118m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 9,704 a tonne, 13,081 tonnes
    USD 127min 2024
  49. 49

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of cellulose acetate, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined...HS 392073

    Share of South Korea's imports91 per cent, 10 source countries
    Changedown 60 per cent on 2022 (USD 304m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 25,621 a tonne, 4,695 tonnes
    USD 120min 2024
  50. 50

    Photographic plates and film: exposed and developed, other than cinematographic filmHS 370500

    Share of South Korea's imports65 per cent, 29 source countries
    Changeup 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 92m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2.9m a tonne, 41 tonnes
    USD 119min 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. Inorganic bases, metal oxides, hydroxides and peroxides: n.e.c. in heading no. 2825HS 282590USD 47m in 2024, from USD 6m in 2022. Japan supplies 23 per cent of the line.
  2. 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 of 4.75mm or more but not...HS 720852USD 78m in 2024, up 377 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022). Japan supplies 60 per cent of the line.
  3. Beer: made from maltHS 220300USD 66m in 2024, up 373 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022). Japan supplies 32 per cent of the line.
  4. Cyclic hydrocarbons: p-xyleneHS 290243USD 69m in 2024, up 336 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022). Japan supplies 100 per cent of the line.
  5. Machines: for making cartons, boxes, cases, tubes, drums or similar containers (other than by moulding), of paper pulp, paper or paperboardHS 844130USD 23m in 2024, up 311 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). Japan supplies 44 per cent of the line.
  6. 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 870360USD 75m in 2024, up 286 per cent on 2022 (USD 19m in 2022). Japan supplies 17 per cent of the line.
  7. Flat panel display modules, whether or not incorporating touch-sensitive screens: of liquid crystals, with drivers or control circuitsHS 852491USD 47m in 2024, up 249 per cent on 2022 (USD 13m in 2022). Japan supplies 2 per cent of the line.
  8. Ships' or boats' propellers and blades thereforHS 848710USD 56m in 2024, up 221 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022). Japan supplies 61 per cent of the line.
  9. Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of polycarbonates, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with...HS 392061USD 28m in 2024, up 220 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). Japan supplies 46 per cent of the line.
  10. Iron or non-alloy steel: angles, shapes and sections, n.e.c. in heading no. 7216, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extrudedHS 721650USD 18m in 2024, up 220 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). Japan supplies 43 per cent of the line.
  11. Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, plated or coated with zinc (other than electrolytically)HS 722592USD 40m in 2024, up 199 per cent on 2022 (USD 13m in 2022). Japan supplies 86 per cent of the line.
  12. Nickel: tubes and pipes, of nickel alloysHS 750712USD 21m in 2024, up 164 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). Japan supplies 42 per cent of the line.
  13. Glass: drawn and blown, in sheets, (other than glass coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting...HS 700490USD 143m in 2024, up 159 per cent on 2022 (USD 55m in 2022). Japan supplies 88 per cent of the line.
  14. Electrical apparatus: relays, for a voltage exceeding 60 voltsHS 853649USD 29m in 2024, up 141 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022). Japan supplies 21 per cent of the line.
  15. Machinery: used in the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink, n.e.c. in heading no. 8438HS 843880USD 20m in 2024, up 114 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). Japan supplies 51 per cent of the line.
  16. Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isopreneHS 290124USD 30m in 2024, up 106 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022). Japan supplies 6 per cent of the line.
  17. Machines: for mixing, kneading, crushing, grinding, screening, sifting, homogenising, emulsifying or stirringHS 847982USD 24m in 2024, up 106 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022). Japan supplies 14 per cent of the line.
  18. Fibres: artificial filament tow of cellulose acetateHS 550210USD 42m in 2024, up 105 per cent on 2022 (USD 21m in 2022). Japan supplies 40 per cent of the line.
  19. Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid)HS 281111USD 27m in 2024, up 102 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022). Japan supplies 15 per cent of the line.
  20. Electrical apparatus: photosensitive semiconductor devices n.e.c. in heading no. 8541HS 854159USD 31m in 2024, up 95 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022). Japan supplies 14 per cent of the line.
Where Japan dominates

Lines where Japan supplies 60 per cent or more.

The largest lines worth USD 1m or more where Japan 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. Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, of a thickness of less than 3mmHS 72083967 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 608m; 6 source countries in all.
  2. 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 72071276 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 370m; 6 source countries in all.
  3. Photographic goods: chemical preparations other than sensitised emulsions, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for useHS 37079072 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 361m; 30 source countries in all.
  4. Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of poly(ethylene terephthalate), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly...HS 39206260 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 270m; 42 source countries in all.
  5. Cyclic hydrocarbons: tolueneHS 29023070 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 261m; 11 source countries in all.
  6. Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3920, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or...HS 39209971 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 253m; 50 source countries in all.
  7. Paints and varnishes: based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous mediumHS 32089066 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 202m; 44 source countries in all.
  8. Epoxide resins: in primary formsHS 39073071 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 190m; 45 source countries in all.
  9. Golf clubs: completeHS 95063161 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 182m; 38 source countries in all.
  10. Glass: drawn and blown, in sheets, (other than glass coloured throughout the mass (body tinted), opacified, flashed or having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting...HS 70049088 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 143m; 14 source countries in all.
  11. Paints and varnishes: based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous mediumHS 32082075 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 127m; 41 source countries in all.
  12. Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of cellulose acetate, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined...HS 39207391 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 120m; 10 source countries in all.
  13. Photographic plates and film: exposed and developed, other than cinematographic filmHS 37050065 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 119m; 29 source countries in all.
  14. Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, propene (propylene)HS 29012299 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 103m; 5 source countries in all.
  15. Glues or adhesives: prepared, products suitable for use as glues or adhesives, put up for retail sale as glues or adhesives, not exceeding a net weight of 1kgHS 35061065 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 99m; 54 source countries in all.
  16. Alcohols: cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, cyclohexanol, methylcyclohexanols and dimethylcyclohexanolsHS 290612100 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 96m; 8 source countries in all.
  17. Scouring pastes and powders and other scouring preparations: (whether or not in the form of paper, wadding, felt, nonwovens, cellular plastics, cellular rubber...HS 34054081 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 93m; 23 source countries in all.
  18. Cyclic hydrocarbons: benzeneHS 290220100 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 92m; 8 source countries in all.
  19. Glass fibres: mechanically bonded fabrics and closed woven fabrics, plain weave, of yarns, not coated or laminated (other than rovings)HS 70196366 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 91m; 15 source countries in all.
  20. Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor boules or wafersHS 84861066 per cent of South Korea's imports of the line, USD 88m; 21 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 Japan'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. Chemical elements: doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers or similar forms: chemical compounds doped for use in electronicsHS 381800Japan: USD 749m at USD 515,493 a tonne. Taiwan: USD 21m (1 per cent of the line) at USD 360,644 a tonne, 30 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 712,000 a tonne.
  2. Circuits: printedHS 853400Japan: USD 566m at USD 1.5m a tonne. Taiwan: USD 450m (16 per cent of the line) at USD 659,857 a tonne, 55 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 583,733 a tonne.
  3. Chemical products, mixtures and preparations: n.e.c. heading 3824HS 382499Japan: USD 536m at USD 8,580 a tonne. China: USD 494m (30 per cent of the line) at USD 1,769 a tonne, 79 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 5,089 a tonne.
  4. 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 848640Japan: USD 393m at USD 138,990 a tonne. China: USD 113m (7 per cent of the line) at USD 71,377 a tonne, 49 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 290,241 a tonne.
  5. Electrical capacitors: fixed, ceramic dielectric, multilayerHS 853224Japan: USD 380m at USD 1.1m a tonne. China: USD 329m (39 per cent of the line) at USD 183,742 a tonne, 84 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 289,875 a tonne.
  6. Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326HS 732690Japan: USD 366m at USD 7,427 a tonne. China: USD 1.0bn (53 per cent of the line) at USD 2,698 a tonne, 64 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 7,702 a tonne.
  7. Optical instruments and appliances: for inspecting semiconductor wafers or devices or for inspecting photomasks or reticles used in manufacturing semiconductor devices...HS 903141Japan: USD 354m at USD 908,682 a tonne. Israel: USD 207m (14 per cent of the line) at USD 605,513 a tonne, 33 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 549,043 a tonne.
  8. 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 853710Japan: USD 310m at USD 64,415 a tonne. China: USD 485m (27 per cent of the line) at USD 45,475 a tonne, 29 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 121,660 a tonne.
  9. Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of poly(ethylene terephthalate), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly...HS 392062Japan: USD 270m at USD 11,048 a tonne. China: USD 82m (18 per cent of the line) at USD 1,789 a tonne, 84 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 4,105 a tonne.
  10. Electrical machines and apparatus: having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter, n.e.c. in heading no. 8543HS 854370Japan: USD 263m at USD 846,891 a tonne. United States: USD 165m (13 per cent of the line) at USD 625,354 a tonne, 26 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 367,512 a tonne.
  11. Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip, other flat shapes thereof, self-adhesive, other than in rolls of a width not exceeding 20cmHS 391990Japan: USD 262m at USD 46,240 a tonne. United States: USD 63m (12 per cent of the line) at USD 34,900 a tonne, 25 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 21,870 a tonne.
  12. Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3920, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or...HS 392099Japan: USD 253m at USD 36,893 a tonne. China: USD 42m (12 per cent of the line) at USD 12,180 a tonne, 67 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 31,519 a tonne.
  13. Electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542HS 854239Japan: USD 242m at USD 1.0m a tonne. Vietnam: USD 19m (under 1 per cent of the line) at USD 765,096 a tonne, 27 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 3.3m a tonne.
  14. Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3921, cellularHS 392119Japan: USD 233m at USD 67,447 a tonne. China: USD 166m (36 per cent of the line) at USD 7,603 a tonne, 89 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 16,794 a tonne.
  15. Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, other than cellularHS 392190Japan: USD 228m at USD 56,901 a tonne. China: USD 88m (21 per cent of the line) at USD 3,523 a tonne, 94 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 14,301 a tonne.
  16. Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of flat panel displaysHS 848630Japan: USD 227m at USD 87,720 a tonne. China: USD 13m (3 per cent of the line) at USD 45,761 a tonne, 48 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 169,598 a tonne.
  17. Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances: for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including thermostatically controlled valvesHS 848180Japan: USD 218m at USD 75,566 a tonne. Vietnam: USD 100m (6 per cent of the line) at USD 24,568 a tonne, 68 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 62,100 a tonne.
  18. Optical elements: polarising material, sheets and plates thereofHS 900120Japan: USD 213m at USD 175,559 a tonne. China: USD 43m (12 per cent of the line) at USD 124,616 a tonne, 29 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 124,616 a tonne.
  19. Golf clubs: completeHS 950631Japan: USD 182m at USD 179,447 a tonne. China: USD 55m (18 per cent of the line) at USD 112,281 a tonne, 37 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 160,727 a tonne.
  20. Machines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions, n.e.c. or included in this chapterHS 847989Japan: USD 175m at USD 52,038 a tonne. China: USD 327m (27 per cent of the line) at USD 12,964 a tonne, 75 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 42,030 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 Japan'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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