The rapid decline of the won‑dollar exchange rate brings cost‑saving effects for import‑oriented industries such as aviation and food, while export‑oriented firms like shipbuilding and automotive face increasing risk of revenue decline. In this trend, differentiated approaches tailored to each company's business and hedging structure are required.
Strong won is particularly characteristic of the aviation and food industries, which share the common point that they are cost‑intensive in terms of dollar denominated expenses. Aviation firms heavily rely on imported raw materials for manufacturing and assembly; food companies mainly import agricultural products and processed goods. When the exchange rate falls, these sectors enjoy a cost‑saving effect, whereas shipbuilding and automotive firms see their production costs rise, thereby potentially weakening export competitiveness.
In such circumstances, companies must reassess their hedging strategies. For example, they should consider the changes in cost structure due to a strong won and make investment decisions that reflect long‑term exchange rate forecasts. Also, import‑dependent industries should seek ways to secure flexibility in raw material procurement by strengthening global supply chains and relationships.
With differentiated approaches demanded at the firm level, industry is discussing countermeasures to exchange-rate fluctuations. Aviation and food industries should maximize utilization of cost‑saving effects; shipbuilding and automotive firms must focus on strengthening technology innovation and production efficiency to secure export competitiveness. These moves are expected to have a lasting impact across the entire industry.