ASEAN becomes key market for South Korea

Seoul

South Korea’s exports to ASEAN countries have increased, offering relief amid falling trade with the U.S. and China due to a global trade war. From January to May 2025, exports to ASEAN reached $47.88 billion—up 4.3% compared to the same period last year, according to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA).

Meanwhile, exports to the United States fell 4.3% and those to China dropped 5%, mainly due to tariffs introduced by the Donald Trump administration. In February, South Korea’s exports to ASEAN ($9.56 billion) exceeded those to China ($9.5 billion) for the first time in 23 years. The trend continued in March, with ASEAN exports at $10.26 billion and Chinese exports at $10.06 billion.

However, May saw a slight dip in exports to ASEAN, which dropped by 1.3% to $10 billion. U.S. exports fell by 8.4% to $10.05 billion, and Chinese exports declined 8.1% to $10.4 billion.

Experts say ASEAN is becoming a key market due to shifting global supply chains, growing digital industries, and a rising middle class in the region. The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) listed semiconductors, electronics, home appliances, robot technology, electric vehicle battery parts, and renewable energy systems as high-potential export items.

Austin Chang from KITA noted that both the U.S. and China are increasingly focused on ASEAN, making it a more strategic trade partner for the future. As global trade patterns shift, ASEAN’s role in South Korea’s economy is likely to grow stronger.