Assessing Trade Concentration, Dependency, and Resilience in Korea’s Semiconductor Supply Chain: A Network and Entropy-Based Approach

Purpose – Amid intensifying U.S.–China rivalry, the semiconductor industry has become a key arena of national economic security. This study examines structural weaknesses and the shifting global position of South Korea’s semiconductor sector by analyzing trade concentration, dependency, and resilience within global value chains (GVCs). Design/Methodology – Using disaggregated UN Comtrade data for 2013, 2018, and 2023, semiconductor products are classified into manufactured goods, core equipment, and critical materials. The analysis employs the Gini coefficient, Hirschman Market Index, a Shannon entropy–based Trade Resilience Index (TRI), network centrality metrics, and a Hub Dependency Index (HDI) to assess structural risks and strategic trade patterns. Findings – Results show persistent export concentration—particularly toward China—and growing import dependence on technologically advanced economies such as the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands. TRI values indicate limited resilience in system semiconductors and production equipment. Network analysis reveals declining Korean centrality in upstream value chains but a stable position in final products. HDI findings confirm increasing reliance on major hub economies across both export and import networks. Originality/value – By integrating concentration indicators with network analytics and introducing entropy-based resilience and hub dependency measures, this study provides a concise yet comprehensive framework for diagnosing vulnerabilities in the semiconductor supply chain. The results offer actionable insights for policymakers seeking to reduce strategic dependencies and strengthen national technological autonomy.