Seoul, Jan. 6 -- Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have emerged as increasingly important export markets for the Republic of Korea (RoK) as the East Asian country accelerates efforts to diversify its trade amid shifting global supply chains.

According to an analysis report on import-export trends during 2021-2025 released by the RoK's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the country's exports to China fell sharply by 19.7% over the five-year period.

Exports to China declined from 162.9 billion USD in 2021 to 155.8 billion USD in 2022 and 124.8 billion USD in 2023, before recovering slightly to 133 billion USD in 2024 and 130.8 billion USD in 2025, still well below earlier levels.

By product category, str...