Why China-South Korea trade drop-off may persist as US influence weighs on chips and tech

Beijing’s easing up on restrictions of graphite exports to Seoul’s major battery producers could signal a potential upturn in bilateral trade from last year’s low levels, but analysts warn that their exchanges may continue to be haunted by China’s strained relations with the US.

The approved shipment of two graphite materials since late December, as reported by South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency on Sunday, came as the country saw its first trade deficit with China in three decades.