Korea ranked 19th in 2008 UN trade report

The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) said on Aug. 29 that Korea ranked 19th in the UN trade report issued in 2008, with 52 Korean products listed as important export items worldwide.

KITA's latest finding is based on its analysis of the "Personal Computer-Trade Analysis System" report of the United Nations.

According to their analysis, Korea placed 19th with 52 top-selling Korean products in 2008, similar to its ranking the previous year, with the same number of products available globally.

In terms of top selling products, 16 out of 52 Korean products listed in the UN trade report in 2007 were replaced by another 16 export items the following year.

The new 16 best-selling Korean products listed in UN trade report in 2008 include flat-rolled steel products, marine propulsion engines, and parts and materials for batteries and optical filters.

Meanwhile, China topped in the UN report with 1,210 products in 2008, up from 830 in 2004. Among the listed products, the number of China's high-tech products grew from 50 in 2004 to 81 in 2008. Germany ranked second, with 860 products, followed by the United States with 587 items, Italy with 288 items, and Japan with 213 items in the 2008 report.

"The report showed that developing countries seem to be competing in medium and high technology product items, after outstripping industrialized countries in low-tech, light industry sectors," according to KITA .

KITA also urged Korea to focus on expanding its international market share of high-tech products in order to increase exports

source:Korea.net