한국 반도체 제조장비 및 부품 산업 교역 동향 분석

Abstract

As of December 2023, memory semiconductors have maintained Korea’s top export position for nine consecutive years since 2016, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix leading in DRAM and NAND flash memory market share. However, the semiconductor manufacturing equipment sector has consistently reported deficits, indicating a significant industry imbalance. This study aims to analyze current trade patterns and characteristics based on semiconductor manufacturing equipment import-export trends, diagnose problems, and explore strategies for stable equipment procurement. The analysis reveals that Korea imports 71% of its manufacturing equipment from the Netherlands, the United States, and Japan while exporting 72% to China (52%), the United States, and Vietnam. Amid intensifying U.S.-China semiconductor competition, Korea faces challenges due to its manufacturing plants in China. Therefore, in the short term, active diplomatic efforts by the Korean government are necessary to ensure Samsung and SK Hynix can maintain normal operations of their semiconductor factories in China. In the medium to long term, strategies should be developed to efficiently and rationally operate manufacturing facilities in both Korea and China simultaneously. Furthermore, as domestic production of manufacturing equipment is virtually impossible in the short term, it is crucial to maintain amicable relations with the Netherlands, the United States, and Japan while making efforts to secure cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing equipment.