Generation Shift in Domestic Export Circles

Only 8 companies or 26.6 percent out of the top 30 large exporting companies 20 years ago still remained on the top-30 list last year.

According to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) on the 21st, the 8 companies which remains on the top 30 exporters` list last year among the top 30 companies in the 1980s are general trading firms like Samsung Corp., Hyundai Corp., LG International, SK Global, Daewoo International, Hyosung Corp., Kumho Industrial, and Ssangyong Corp.

Excluding general trading firms, the 30 largest exporting companies by exporting items, there were 9 textile companies in the 1980s. However, steel and machinery companies numbered the most 9, and electricity and electronic companies 8, while no textile companies were listed.

The ratio that the top 30 exporting companies take parts out of total volume of export was 54.1 percent in 1980s, 49.5 percent in 1990s, and 57.6 percent in 2001. That`s because cars, ships, electricity and electronics, which conglomerate companies usually treat, take more and more parts in exporting.

Top 10 largest exporting companies last year were Samsung Corp., Hyundai Corp., LG International, Hyundai Motors, SK Global, Amkor Technology, Daewoo International, Nokia TMC, S-Oil, and Daewoo Motors in order.

After these companies followed Daewoo Shipbuilding, Samsung Electronics, Hyosung, Samsung SDI, Daewoo Electronics, Sambo Computer, Sony Korea, Ssangyong, Posteel, Hanwha, LG Electronics, Kumho, Hankook Tire, Doosan Heavysteel, Incheon Chemical, Hyundai Mobis, BASF-Korea, Daewoo Heavy Industries and Machinery. General trading firms took 37.4 percent out of total exports of Korea last year, while 39.0 percent in 1980.

Chi-Young Shin higgledy@donga.com