Core Insights - The report from the Korea Economic Association indicates that half of South Korea's top ten export industries have been surpassed by China in terms of competitiveness, with a prediction that all ten industries may fall behind China in five years [1][2] - A survey of 200 major companies in these industries revealed that 62.5% view China as their biggest competitor, with this figure expected to rise to 68.5% by 2030 [1] - The competitiveness index set by the surveyed companies ranks South Korea at 100, while China and the US are projected to surpass South Korea by 2030, with indices of 112.3 and 112.9 respectively [1] Industry Competitiveness - In specific sectors, Chinese companies lead in steel (112.7), general machinery (108.5), secondary batteries (108.4), displays (106.4), and automotive parts (102.4) [2] - South Korean companies still maintain an edge in semiconductors (99.3), electronics and electrical machinery (99), shipbuilding (96.7), petrochemicals and petroleum products (96.5), and biopharmaceuticals (89.2) [2] - The report highlights that China holds advantages in price competitiveness, production capacity, and government support, while South Korea only leads in brand competitiveness, which is expected to be overtaken in five years [2]

Core Insights - The report from the Korea Economic Association indicates that half of South Korea's top ten export industries have been surpassed by China in terms of competitiveness, with a prediction that all ten industries may lose their competitive edge within five years [1][2]. Industry Competitiveness - A survey of 200 South Korean companies revealed that 62.5% identified China as their biggest competitor, significantly higher than the 22.5% who chose the United States and 9.5% who chose Japan. This perception is expected to increase, with 68.5% anticipating China as the main competitor by 2030 [1][2]. - The competitiveness levels, with South Korean companies using a standard of 100, are perceived as follows: the United States at 107.2, China at 102.2, and Japan at 93.5. By 2030, these levels are projected to be 112.9 for the U.S., 112.3 for China, and 95 for Japan, indicating a significant shift in competitiveness [2][4]. Sector Analysis - In specific sectors, South Korean companies believe that Chinese firms lead in steel (112.7), general machinery (108.5), batteries (108.4), displays (106.4), and automotive parts (102.4). However, South Korea still maintains an edge in semiconductors (99.3), electronics and electrical machinery (99), shipbuilding (96.7), petrochemicals (96.5), and biopharmaceuticals (89.2) [2][4]. - The report highlights that China has advantages in price competitiveness, production capacity, and government support, while the U.S. excels in branding, skilled talent, and core technologies. Currently, South Korea only leads in brand competitiveness, which is expected to be overtaken in five years [4][6].