Republic of Korea: Copper Powder Market 2025

Copper Powder Market Size in Republic of Korea

In 2021, the South Korean copper powder market increased by 14% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, the total consumption indicated a pronounced expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Copper Powder Production in Republic of Korea

In value terms, copper powder production shrank modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, enjoyed a strong expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 56% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2018 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Copper Powder Exports

Exports from Republic of Korea

Copper powder exports from South Korea reduced to X tons in 2021, falling by -10.2% on the year before. Overall, exports continue to indicate a perceptible downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when exports increased by 100% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, copper powder exports rose significantly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded a pronounced decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 103% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

China (X tons) was the main destination for copper powder exports from South Korea, with a 47% share of total exports. Moreover, copper powder exports to China exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Hong Kong SAR (X tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), with an 8.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to China stood at -4.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Hong Kong SAR (+36.2% per year) and Taiwan (Chinese) (-7.5% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) remains the key foreign market for copper powders and flakes exports from South Korea, comprising 33% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by Hong Kong SAR, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to China totaled -7.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (-0.6% per year) and Hong Kong SAR (+34.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average copper powder export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 19% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.8%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the average export price increased by 36% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Vietnam (+12.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Copper Powder Imports

Imports into Republic of Korea

In 2021, overseas purchases of copper powders and flakes decreased by -4.8% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, imports recorded a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 13% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, copper powder imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports showed a abrupt downturn. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Malaysia (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of copper powder to South Korea, accounting for a 50% share of total imports. Moreover, copper powder imports from Malaysia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United States (X tons), tenfold. China (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 3.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Malaysia amounted to -6.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (-17.6% per year) and China (-15.3% per year).

In value terms, Malaysia ($X) constituted the largest supplier of copper powders and flakes to South Korea, comprising 32% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by China ($X), with a 6.8% share of total imports. It was followed by Japan, with a 6.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Malaysia totaled +2.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (-17.2% per year) and Japan (-16.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average copper powder import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 21% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +5.4%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 22%. The import price peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while the price for Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Malaysia (+10.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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