As Trump's tariff threats loom, Korea's trade dependency on US draws scrutiny

SEOUL, January 07 (AJP) - As the world braces for Trump’s proposed tariff policies, South Korea’s deepening reliance on trade with the United States is raising concerns. The trend runs counter to a global push to diversify trade relationships, reflecting a divergence that could leave Seoul vulnerable to shifting U.S. policies. Economic observers predict that global trade dynamics in the coming year will hinge on Trump’s policies. In a recent column for the

January 7, 2025

Korea's U.S. crude oil imports rise steadily despite premium pricing

SEOUL, January 7 (AJP) - South Korea's crude oil imports from the United States reached a record high in 2024, despite higher prices compared to Middle Eastern sources. According to data from the Korea National Oil Corp. on Monday, U.S. crude imports from January to November 2024 totaled 156.29 million barrels, surpassing the previous year's record of 142.37 million barrels. The import value amounted to $13.33 billion, positioning the United States as the second-largest c

January 7, 2025

[CES 2025] Samsung, LG, SK to present AI-driven innovations

LAS VEGAS, January 5 (AJP) - South Korea’s leading technology companies are poised to unveil groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence at CES 2025, the world’s largest electronics and IT trade show, which kicks off Tuesday here. The four-day event will also serve as a platform for these firms to forge strategic alliances with global tech giants, further cementing their standing in the international arena. As of Sunday (local time), two days before the o

January 6, 2025

[CES 2025] Korean firm to unveil smart glass technology

LAS VEGAS, January 5 (AJP) - KCC Glass, a South Korean glass manufacturer, said Monday that it will unveil technology capable of adjusting transparency using electric currents at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. At the four-day exhibition starting on Tuesday, the Korean firm will showcase its Variable Polarized Liquid Crystal (VPLC) technology. This innovation uses a transparent film attached to the glass, through which electric currents flow to control the transparency based on voltage. Th

January 6, 2025

HD Korea delivers first vessel of 2025

SEOUL, January 6 (AJP) - HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. (HD KSOE) kicked off 2025 with the delivery of its first vessel on Monday. The firm aims to complete 139 ships this year. The vessel, a 174,000-cubic-meter liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, was built at the HD Hyundai Samho Co. shipyard in South Jeolla Province. The ship was completed roughly two and a half years after the order was placed by an Asian shipping company in June 2022. The momentum conti

January 6, 2025

South Korea's export gap with China, US narrows to 21-year low

SEOUL, January 6 (AJP) - South Korea’s export gap between its two largest trading partners, the United States and China, narrowed to a mere $5.23 billion in 2024, marking its lowest level in 21 years, according to data released Monday by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). Exports to China, traditionally South Korea’s largest trading partner, rose by 6.6 percent year-on-year to $133.02 billion. Meanwhile, shipments to the United States surged by 10.45 per

January 6, 2025

[CES 2025] Samsung Display to showcase 18.1-inch foldable display at CES 2025

LAS VEGAS, January 5 (AJP) - Samsung Display will unveil its 18.1-inch foldable panel, which unfolds to the size of a small monitor, at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, running for four days starting on Tuesday. Users can operate the device as a tablet or laptop depending on the situation, leveraging its touch functionality. The panel can also function as a monitor when paired with peripherals like a keyboard. When folded, the screen measures 13.1 inches. Previously, Samsung Display showcas

January 6, 2025

As economic turmoil mounts, acting president faces pressure to resolve political crisis

SEOUL, January 6 (AJP) - Calls for Acting President Choi Sang-mok to play a more active role in resolving South Korea's political crisis are growing louder, as the country faces increasing economic turmoil triggered by the Dec. 3 martial law declaration. Economists and political analysts alike argue that swift action is necessary to end the deadlock and reduce uncertainty that is wreaking havoc on financial markets. At the heart of the political crisis is the stalled executio

January 6, 2025

South Korea to make largest-ever presence at CES

SEOUL, January 03 (AJP) - South Korean companies are set to make their largest-ever appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next week, unveiling their latest advancements in artificial intelligence, smart home technology and other innovations. With 1,031 companies participating, South Korea will have the third-largest national presence at the event, following the United States (1,509) and China (1,339). The world's largest electronics trade show will be held in Las

January 3, 2025

Korean cumulative overseas construction orders top $1 trillion

SEOUL, January 3 (AJP) - South Korea's cumulative overseas construction orders surpassed $1 trillion in December 2024, marking a significant milestone since the country's first international project in 1965, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said on Friday. The achievement is much contributed to construction companies securing last-minute contracts in December, pushing the total past $996.5 billion recorded through November 2024, despite challenging external

January 3, 2025