S. Korea's lags behind Japan in lithium battery technology

SEOUL, Nov. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea lags far behind Japan in terms of core technology and manufacturing knowhow in the rechargeable lithium battery sector, a government report said Wednesday.

The basic technology levels of South Korean firms such as Samsung SDI Co. and LG
Chem Ltd. are estimated to reach just 30 percent those of their Japanese rivals
like Sanyo Electic Co., according to the report by the Korea Trade Commission
(KTC).
In terms of component and material development, the level of South Korean firms
amounts to about 50 percent that of the Japanese companies, it said.
"South Korean companies enjoy overall competitiveness although they need to do
more to bridge the technology gap," the KTC said.
Lithium batteries are widely used in notebook computers, mobile phones, various
wireless information technology devices, and electric-driven automobiles.
South Korea is the second-largest manufacturer of lithium batteries with a market
share of 27 percent. Japan is the front-runner and currently meets half of world
demand, with China standing at third place with a 23 percent market share.
The global market stood at US$8.8 billion in 2007 with annual growth estimated at
25.7 percent in the near future. The world market is expected to reach $22.0
billion in 2015.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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