曾在中国“躺着赚钱”，今被华为小米打到剩1%！韩国制造跌下神坛

Group 1 - South Korean manufacturing thrived in the Chinese market over a decade ago, with brands like Samsung and LG enjoying significant popularity and market share [1][3][7] - In 2015, South Korea's exports to China reached approximately $150 billion, with a trade surplus exceeding $60 billion, making China South Korea's largest trading partner [3][5] - The reliance on the Chinese market created vulnerabilities for South Korean companies, as any disruption could lead to significant losses [5][9] Group 2 - The deployment of the THAAD missile defense system by South Korea in July 2016 sparked a backlash from China, leading to widespread consumer boycotts against South Korean products [9][11] - Major South Korean companies, such as Lotte, faced severe repercussions, with Lotte closing over 20 stores in China and ultimately exiting the market by 2019, incurring losses exceeding $100 million [11][13] - The number of Chinese tourists visiting South Korea plummeted from 8.07 million in 2016 to 4.18 million in 2017, resulting in a loss of $7.5 billion in tourism revenue [13] Group 3 - South Korean electronics and cosmetics sales experienced a dramatic decline, with Samsung's market share in China dropping from 21.9% in 2013 to less than 1% by 2018 [13][15] - The loss of the Chinese market severely impacted cash flow and R&D for South Korean manufacturers, exposing the fragility of their manufacturing sector [15][16] - By 2022, South Korea began experiencing monthly trade deficits with China, with the annual surplus shrinking to just $1.2 billion [16][18] Group 4 - In 2023, South Korea's trade deficit with China reached $18 billion, with exports falling from $155.8 billion in 2022 to $124.8 billion [18][20] - The manufacturing PMI index in South Korea remained below 50 for 12 consecutive months, indicating a prolonged period of operational stagnation [18][20] - The decline in South Korean manufacturing is attributed to structural issues, with Samsung Electronics reporting a 95.7% drop in operating profit in Q1 2023 [20][22] Group 5 - The South Korean job market is also affected, with the number of insured individuals in manufacturing projected to decrease to 3.846 million by 2025 [24] - The export share of South Korean goods to China fell from 25.3% in 2021 to 19.5% in the first half of 2023, indicating a significant loss of market presence [24][26] - The proportion of South Korean semiconductor exports to China is expected to decline from 45% in 2020 to 35.7% by the end of 2024 [26][28] Group 6 - The South Korean government is attempting to mend relations with China, emphasizing pragmatic diplomacy and regional integration [28][30] - Despite efforts to repair ties, the South Korean manufacturing sector faces challenges in regaining its competitive edge in the Chinese market [30] - The rise of Chinese brands in the domestic market highlights the need for South Korean companies to adapt to the changing landscape [30]