Korea's robotics industry remains vulnerable to supply chain disruptions
Korea is demonstrating world-class competitiveness in the on-site application of robots. But the country’s heavy reliance on Chinese and Japanese imports for raw materials and components leaves the domestic industry vulnerable to potential supply chain disruptions, according to a report by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Sunday. Citing the International Federation of Robotics’ 2024 statistics, the report noted that Korea ranked fourth in the world for installed robotic equipment in industrial settings. China led, followed by Japan and the United States. Korea also ranked first in the world for robot density, with 1,012 robots operating for every 10,000 employees, the report said. Despite robust activity in the robotics sector, KITA said South Korea’s robot industry remains vulnerable to supply chain disruptions due to heavy reliance on Chinese and Japanese imports of raw materials and key components. The report said that as of last year, 88.8 percent of Korea’s imports of permanent magnets, a key component for robotic motors, came from China, while the country
Jan 25, 2026By Ko Dong-hwan
