KOREA REPORT - APRIL, 2021.
The
second phase of Korea’s mass vaccination campaign started in the first week of
April for people 75 or older and non-COVID-19 essential workers such as
early childhood educators, police and firefighters. Pfizer jabs went to the
elderly, while the rest were given AstraZeneca’s. Korea will have access to 7
mil doses of AstraZeneca vaccine and 7 mil more doses from Pfizer in May or
June.
SKorea
recorded trade surplus of $390 mil in April, 12th
consecutive month of surplus. Exports jumped 41.1% on-year to $51.1 bil,
highest growth in 10 years, as demand for chips and automobiles stayed strong
amid improving global economy. Imports rose 33.9% to $50.8 bil.
Korean 'Big3' are likely to achieve their
yearly order goal without difficulty as they are focusing on different main
products, rather than building similar types of ships. From Jan to April 19th
this year, three shipbuilders were awarded 139 newbuilds worth $13.43 bil,
representing 44.2% of their entire order target for 2021. A rush of new
containership orders, fiscal stimulus from all around the world and rising
steel price are cited as factors in bringing such results.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATTACHMENT: Korea Report - April 2021 (PDF FILE)
Please let us know if you have difficulty opening the file.
