Chinese Triad Took Over US Export

China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Chinese Triad, appear as the biggest export market for Korea.

At 2nd, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Energy and Korea International Trade Association, the export to the three countries from January to August recorded 23.77 billion dollars and shared 24.58% of total export.

The numeric value runs ahead of North American market EU of 21.78% and 12.93% each one.

Japanese market that had kept more than 10% until last year dropped to 9.54% of total export at 20th of last August.

Before the treaty of amity between Korea and China in 1992, Chinese Triad recorded ▽ China 3.46% ▽ Hong Kong 7.71% ▽ Taiwan 2.95%, so total 14.12% and was less than Japan (15.14%) at the same year.

However the numeric value increased to 21.59% in 2000 and almost closed to the export to US. It recorded 22.25% and took over US (20.75) in the last year. As the export to China increases largely, China appears top three exporting market, and Taiwan and Hong Kong maintain their position with the shares of 4% and 6% each one.

Kang-Woon Lee kwoon90@donga.com