Visitors examine semiconductor process robot automation solutions at the Semiconductor Exhibition held at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. /Courtesy of News1

In 2025, domestic industries heavily influenced by exports, such as automobiles and displays, are expected to shrink due to the effects of protectionism in the United States, while semiconductors, smartphones, and shipbuilding are projected to continue their growth, driven by technological innovation and demand recovery.

Samsung KPMG released a report titled '2025 Domestic Major Industry Outlook' on the 16th. This annual report has been published for five years by Samjung KPMG to assist corporations in preparing for uncertain management environments.

Industries that Samjung KPMG views negatively for the outlook in 2025 include ▲automobiles ▲displays ▲steel ▲shipping ▲refining and chemicals ▲savings banks and capital. Most of these sectors are significantly affected by the tariff policies of the second administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and geopolitical crises.

On the other hand, Samjung KPMG positively evaluated the outlook for the following industries in 2025: ▲semiconductors ▲smartphones ▲shipbuilding ▲energy and utilities ▲pharmaceuticals and biotechnology ▲construction ▲aerospace ▲media and entertainment ▲food and dining ▲cosmetics ▲banks ▲securities ▲property insurance.

Notably, the semiconductor market is expected to see growth centered around integrated circuit (IC) products. Securing advanced packaging technology for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors, power efficiency, and heat management is considered a major challenge.

The energy and utilities industry is also expected to continue its growth trend as domestic electricity consumption rises with the expansion of data centers. Samjung KPMG noted that the energy transition infrastructure would be strengthened, focusing on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nuclear power generation, and that policies for expanding renewable energy could also serve as a growth driver.

The report outlined the noteworthy business trends for 2025, including ▲AI expansion ▲energy transition ▲K-wave ▲demographic changes ▲supply chain stabilization.

The Economic Research Institute of Samjung KPMG stated, '2025 will be a crucial time for corporations to actively respond to various trend changes and establish medium- to long-term growth strategies,' adding that they must quickly adapt to the reshaped business trends such as AI expansion, energy transition, demographic changes, and supply chain stabilization.

The full report can be found on the Samjung KPMG website. Samjung KPMG will also hold a free online seminar on the 18th about the 2025 industry outlook.