South Korea’s national export-import cargo volume fell 5.7% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, according to data released by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on April 29. The decline occurred before the full effects of the U.S.-led trade measures were realized, with significant decreases noted in non-container cargo such as crude oil, bituminous coal, and automobiles.
From January to March, the total volume handled by national trade ports reached 373.69 million tons, down 5.7% compared to the same period in 2024. Export-import cargo volume, excluding coastal shipments, was recorded at 320.25 million tons, marking a 5.3% decline.
While container transshipment volume increased by 6.7%, containerized export-import volume decreased by 1.5%. Non-containerized export-import volume experienced a sharper decline, falling by 10.9%.
Among non-containerized cargo, bituminous coal volumes dropped by 28.2%, while oil and ore volumes declined by 7.9% and 9%, respectively. Automobile export-import volume also saw a 1.0% decrease compared to the first quarter of the previous year.
Coastal cargo volume, representing domestic trade, was 53.43 million tons, reflecting an 8% decrease from the same period last year.
Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do-hyung stated that the ministry would continue to monitor market conditions closely through a joint public-private emergency response team focused on shipping and logistics issues. He emphasized ongoing communication with relevant agencies to prevent disruptions in export-import logistics.
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