Gumi Records $4.6193 Billion in Exports in Q1 2025, Accounting for 50.9% of Gyeongbuk's Total Exports

Wireless Communication Device Components Emerge as Key Export Item,
Defining the Export Structure of Gumi

In the first quarter of 2025, the export volume of the Gumi region reached $4.6193 billion, accounting for 50.9% of Gyeongbuk's total exports and maintaining its position as the top exporter in the province.

Yoon Jaeho Chairman of Gyeongbuk Chamber of Commerce and Industry

However, the export volume decreased by 0.3% compared to the same period of the previous year. Gumi's export performance is centered on semiconductors and electronic components, with wireless communication device components emerging as a major export item.

◆ Monthly Export Trends and Performance by Item

Looking at the monthly export figures, exports in January fell sharply by 15.6% year-on-year, which is analyzed to be due to a decrease in the number of working days as a result of more holidays. However, in February and March, the export growth rates rebounded to 15.3% and 2.9%, respectively.

By item, wireless communication device components recorded $1.59131 billion, accounting for approximately 34.6% of total exports and representing the largest share. This was followed by wireless telephones, flat panel displays, silicon wafers, and printed circuit boards, with semiconductor and electronic components making up the top export items.

◆ Major Export Destinations and Country Dependence

The main export destinations were China, the United States, and Vietnam. China remained the largest export market with $2.35954 billion. While exports to the United States saw a slight decrease, exports to Vietnam showed a significant increase. Notably, 96.2% of Gumi's wireless communication device component exports were shipped to China, confirming a high level of dependence on a single country for Gumi's exports.

Wireless telephones were the main export item to the United States, flat panel displays to Vietnam, while Canada recorded a significant decline in major export items.

◆ Indirect Export Performance and Overall Gyeongbuk Export Status

In the first quarter of 2025, Gyeongbuk's total export volume was $9.03235 billion, a decrease of 2.9% compared to the same period of the previous year. Gumi accounted for more than half of Gyeongbuk's total exports at 50.9%, firmly establishing itself as the center of the province's exports, followed by Pohang and Yeongju.

Indirect export performance surged by 73% year-on-year, reaching KRW 13.5918 trillion. Gumi accounted for KRW 771.4 billion, ranking third within Gyeongbuk.

◆ Outlook and Expert Opinions

Yoon Jaeho, Chairman of Gyeongbuk Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated, "It is positive that Gumi is driving more than half of Gyeongbuk's exports," emphasizing, "There is a possibility that external uncertainties will continue in the second half of the year, so efforts by both the government and businesses are needed to boost exports."

The export performance of the Gumi region is expected to play an even more significant economic role in the future, along with strengthening its competitiveness in the global market.