Trend Mature smartphone market and relocated production restrain Korean communication equipment exports

Summary

KISDI expects Korea's exports of communication and broadcasting equipment to grow only in a limited way through 2030. In 2026 handset demand, including premium smartphones, should recover gradually in emerging markets, and demand for network equipment in the United States and Southeast Asia should hold, giving a small rise in exports. Over the medium term, more advanced AI use and a structural increase in data traffic should keep demand for network equipment at a certain level. However, the maturing global smartphone market, intensifying global competition and the relocation of production bases abroad are expected to cap export growth. The segment is therefore treated as one where demand drivers exist but do not lift domestic exports much.