South Korea Criticizes Germany's Competitiveness

A good partner, but ... South Korea Is Deterred by Germany's Declining Competitiveness

2026-10-27 Source: dpa | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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While South Korean business leaders view Germany as a very important economic partner, they criticize its declining competitiveness ...

That would certainly be an ideal scenario—South Korea as a good trading partner for Germany (and the EU)—and vice versa! But there are a few things that give these potential friends in this Asian country pause for thought...(Image: AI-generated) — That would certainly be an ideal scenario—South Korea as a good trading partner for Germany (and the EU)—and vice versa! But there are a few things that give these potential friends in this Asian country pause for thought...
(Image: AI-generated)

A study commissioned by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, which is affiliated with the FDP, shows that South Korea views Germany as an ambivalent partner. The study was prompted by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first visit to South Korea, during which he will meet with President Lee Jae Myung for talks on October 29 and open an economic conference the following day. According to the study, 53 percent of respondents see Germany’s economic and industrial competitiveness as weakening, which is also viewed as an obstacle to cooperation. For the European Union as a whole, that figure is only 30 percent. Complex regulations and administrative procedures are also seen as obstacles to closer cooperation, according to the South Koreans.

The Next Five Years Will Tell ...

At the same time, 80 percent see the intensified rivalry between the U.S. and China as creating a greater need for cooperation with the EU. Due to the geostrategic rivalry between China and the U.S., Europe is receiving more attention—partly because it is considered a reliable partner. However, Korean executives hope for a more dynamic Germany and Europe, as well as faster decision-making. These assessments are based on a survey of 100 executives from the South Korean business community, which was conducted in September by the polling firm Gallup Korea on behalf of the foundation, according to reports. Incidentally, 50 percent of those surveyed expect Germany to gain in importance as an economic partner over the next five years. For the EU, 72 percent expect this to happen; for China, 73 percent; and for the U.S., 78 percent.

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