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exports are brisk, expectations for economic recovery are growing. However, export centered on large enterprises has only improved, and small and medium-sized enterprises are complaining that it is rather difficult.



Reporter Han Sang-woo covered the difficulties faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).



<Reporter> It



is a factory in Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do that manufactures construction materials for housing.



I feel uncomfortable while loading the finished product for delivery.



This is because there is little money in hand to make and sell products due to the soaring price of atomic ash.



[Lee Hak-jin/CEO of Construction Materials Company: Because (product) contracts are in place, the supply of raw materials is not smooth, and the (raw materials) prices themselves are soaring. A situation where you have to think about breaking the contract itself... .]



The raw material price of aluminum, the main material, was 3,100 won per kilogram at the beginning of this year, but recently it has risen by 33% to 4,100 won, and the price of aluminum alloy has risen by 95% in one year.



The price of Dubai crude is up 89% from its lowest point.



[Lee Hak-jin/CEO of Construction Materials Company: Since the prices of all subsidiary materials as well as raw materials are rising rapidly, we cannot match the previously contracted (sales) unit price… .] The



manpower shortage is also serious.



Many foreign workers are hired because of the avoidance of small and medium-sized manufacturers, but even this is difficult in the aftermath of COVID-19.



[Representative of small and medium-sized manufacturers: There are a lot of companies that are barely operated by older people and foreigners. Because foreigners are not



allowed to

enter, the manpower shortage is huge.]

Soaring shipping costs for small and medium-sized exporting companies is a hindrance.



Fares have risen up to six times for some European routes and three times for American routes.



Although it seems that the green light has been turned on for the Korean economy as exports of conglomerates such as semiconductors, automobiles, and petrochemicals have been brisk, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are suffering from triple and quadruple high schools and do not feel the warmth of economic recovery at all.



(Video editing: Lee Seung-yeol, VJ: Jung Min-goo)