According to a report by Yonhap News Agency on October 14, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea released data indicating that South Korea has significant import dependence in key materials of high-tech strategic industries, with particularly notable reliance on China. In this context, achieving supply chain diversification has become an urgent issue for South Korea.
Specifically, according to data obtained by Lee Jae-gwan, a member of the National Assembly Committee on Industry, Trade, Energy and Small and Medium Enterprises from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, South Korea's reliance on China in key materials for secondary batteries is highly evident: the reliance rate on natural graphite and synthetic graphite, which are required for negative electrode materials, is as high as 97.6% and 98.8%, respectively; the reliance on precursors and nickel hydroxide, which are needed for positive electrode materials, also reaches 94.1% and 96.4%, respectively.
In the robotics industry, the import dependency of core drive components increased from 77.7% in 2021 to 80.3% in 2023. At the same time, key materials in the display technology sector are also heavily dependent on imports: the import dependency of five types of core materials for Micro LED exceeds 90%; in the key materials for OLED, the import dependency of dopants and fine metal masks is as high as 67% and over 95%, respectively.
From a broader perspective of rare metals, as of 2024, out of 31 rare metals under the management of the South Korean government, 20 depend on imports from China. Specifically, the reliance on niobium and silicon, the core raw materials for semiconductors, is 78% and 63%, respectively; in the import of lithium, the core raw material for positive electrode materials of secondary batteries, China accounts for 65%. Additionally, the import ratio of key materials for semiconductors and displays such as gallium (98%), graphite (97%), indium (93%), and magnesium (84%) remains at extremely high levels.
Despite this structural dependence, China continues to demonstrate a proactive attitude towards deepening bilateral cooperation. China has repeatedly emphasized that China and South Korea are important neighboring countries and close partners. China always values the relationship between China and South Korea and is willing to enhance mutual trust, eliminate interference, deepen cooperation, achieve mutual success, and jointly contribute to the peace, stability, and development and prosperity of the region.
This article is an exclusive piece by Observer, and any unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7560963196871066112/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking the [upvote/downvote] button below.