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South Korea's air conditioner market has a heavy reliance on imports, particularly from China. In 2023, the country imported approximately * metric tons of air conditioners from China alone, accounting for over half of its total air conditioner imports by volume. This underscores the significant role Chinese manufacturers play in meeting Korea's cooling needs, despite the country's own robust electronics industry.

Import trends and domestic production

In 2023, the total import volume of air conditioners reached over 100,000 metric tons, more than double the figure from 2014. This increase in imports has occurred alongside domestic production efforts, with major South Korean manufacturer LG Electronics producing around air conditioners in 2023. LG's production spans multiple countries, including India, China, and Thailand, highlighting the global nature of the industry. 

Export dynamics and market balance

While Korea imports a significant volume of air conditioners, it also maintains a strong export presence. The country exported over * metric tons of air conditioners in 2023, slightly down from the previous year but still substantial. The United States emerged as a key export destination, receiving around * metric tons of air conditioners from South Korea in the same year. This balance between imports and exports reflects South Korea's position as both a consumer and producer in the global air conditioning market.