Goods imports:
~US$ 650 billion per year (world top 9)
South
South Korea — Global Import Market
South Korea is one of the world's largest importers, bringing in roughly US$ 650 billion in goods each year. As an advanced manufacturing and technology economy, it imports large volumes of energy, raw materials, machinery, and components to feed its industrial base.
Market overview — imports by volume
Global share of imports:
~2.5%
Import reliance:
very high on energy and raw materials
Notable:
a sophisticated, high-volume market for components and inputs
Top 10 imported items by value
1. Mineral fuels & oils
(crude, LNG)
2. Electrical machinery & electronics
3. Machinery & mechanical appliances
4. Chemical products
5. Iron ore & ores
6. Plastics & articles
7. Precision & measuring instruments
8. Food & beverages
9. Iron & steel articles
10. Motor vehicles & parts
What this means for Canadian exporters
South Korea is a strong market for Canadian energy, minerals, chemicals, and food. Under the Canada–Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA), many Canadian goods enter duty-free or at reduced rates — giving Canadian exporters a real cost advantage in this deep industrial market.