South Korea's Stainless Steel Import and Export Overview
According to data from South Korean Customs, in February 2026, South Korea's stainless steel import volume was approximately 60,700 tons, an increase of 7,300 tons month-on-month (up 13.6%), and an increase of 4,500 tons year-on-year (up 8%). The export volume was approximately 90,800 tons, an increase of 7,200 tons month-on-month (up 8.6%), but a decrease of 11,600 tons year-on-year (down 11.3%). The net export volume was approximately 30,100 tons, a slight decrease of 81.5 tons month-on-month (down 0.3%), and a significant decrease of 16,100 tons year-on-year (down 34.9%).
From January to February 2026, South Korea's total stainless steel import volume was approximately 114,200 tons, an increase of 2,700 tons year-on-year (up 2.5%). The total export volume was approximately 174,400 tons, a decrease of 18,200 tons year-on-year (down 9.5%). The cumulative net export volume was approximately 60,300 tons, a decrease of 21,000 tons year-on-year (down 25.8%).

Product Breakdown of South Korea's Stainless Steel Imports and Exports
1. Import Product Situation
The month-on-month increase in South Korea's stainless steel imports in February was mainly driven by an increase in cold-rolled coils/sheets, which rose by 5,900 tons month-on-month, while changes in other varieties were minimal.
Currently, South Korea's stainless steel imports are still dominated by cold-rolled and hot-rolled coils/sheets, supplemented by profiles and pipes/tubes.
2. Export Product Situation
South Korea's stainless steel exports increased month-on-month in February. Among them, hot-rolled coils/sheets with a width ≥ 600mm saw a relatively larger month-on-month increase, rising by 7,700 tons.
South Korea's stainless steel exports are primarily composed of hot-rolled and cold-rolled coils/sheets.

Major Regions for South Korea's Stainless Steel Imports and Exports
1. Major Import Sources
South Korea's stainless steel imports increased month-on-month in February, with a notable increase in imports from Indonesia, which rose by 10,600 tons month-on-month.
In 2026, South Korea's major sources for stainless steel imports include China, Japan, and Indonesia.
2. Major Export Destinations
South Korea's stainless steel exports increased month-on-month in February. Notably, exports to Thailand and Turkey saw significant month-on-month increases, rising by 8,200 tons and 3,600 tons, respectively.
In 2026, South Korea's major destinations for stainless steel exports include Thailand, Italy, and Vietnam.
In February, the total export volume to Thailand, Vietnam, and Turkey was approximately 38,900 tons, an increase of 12,700 tons month-on-month (up 48.3%), but a decrease of 7,000 tons year-on-year (down 15.2%). The cumulative volume from January to February was approximately 65,100 tons, a decrease of 12,000 tons year-on-year (down 15.6%).