KOTRA Publishes 'Next Year's Export Outlook and Regional Market Conditions' Report
Expectations for Export Expansion in Advanced Industries, Biohealth, and K-Consumer Goods
Despite global economic uncertainties, exports next year are projected to increase by 2.6% compared to this year, reaching $700 billion. High value-added industries such as semiconductors and wireless communication devices, along with promising sectors like shipbuilding, biohealth, power infrastructure, and K-consumer goods, are expected to be the main growth drivers of our exports.
The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Trade and Investment Research Center published a report titled "2025 Export Outlook and Regional Market Conditions" on the 27th, reviewing export conditions and opportunity factors by overseas market along with this forecast.
According to the report, next year’s Korean exports are expected to grow by 2.6% from this year to $700.3 billion, supported by moderate global economic growth, expanded trade, and steady demand for high value-added IT products such as AI and semiconductors.
The report stated, "If detailed inspections and segmented strategies are established for overseas markets by region, new growth opportunities can be opened despite difficult conditions. Although significant changes in global trade are expected with the inauguration of the new U.S. administration next year, it is even more important to capture arising opportunities and respond swiftly."
In particular, it emphasized that export conditions next year will vary by region depending on changes in local demand. Continuous technological innovation in the U.S. and increased demand for high value-added innovative products are expected to drive our exports, with growth anticipated in semiconductors, shipbuilding, biohealth, and cosmetics exports. However, due to increasing policy uncertainties from the new U.S. administration, continuous monitoring and flexible responses are advised.
In China, despite downside risks such as sluggish domestic demand and increased tariffs on exports to the U.S., the Chinese government’s active economic stimulus measures and expanded investment in advanced industries are expected to result in a slight increase in our exports to China next year, centered on smart manufacturing, biohealth, and shipbuilding equipment. Europe is expected to see a slight economic improvement next year, steadily expanding import demand, particularly increasing pharmaceutical exports due to expanded deliveries and contract manufacturing by our biohealth companies in the European region.
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and India are showing high economic growth rates, and based on the spread of digitalization, active government industrial policies, and infrastructure projects, new export opportunities are expected to emerge. KOTRA anticipates that our companies will be able to increase market share in these regions based on quality competitiveness. In particular, demand for semiconductors, wireless communication devices, automobiles, computers, biohealth, and cosmetics is continuously increasing in the ASEAN and Indian markets.
Lee Ji-hyung, Head of KOTRA’s Economic and Trade Cooperation Headquarters, said, "In 2025, the Korean economy will face various risk factors such as global supply chain restructuring, the spread of protectionism, and geopolitical conflicts, but it is time to focus on creating new opportunities to turn crises into chances for advancement." He emphasized, "KOTRA will devote all efforts to playing the role of an 'export stepping stone' by discovering new overseas clients and resolving difficulties faced by our companies in export sites."
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