Korean Trading Companies: Short-term Commodity Gains and Long-term Asset Expansion

Major South Korean trading companies including POSCO International, LX International, and Samsung C&T are seeing accelerated stock price gains driven by surging energy raw material prices, rising maritime freight rates, and strategic investments in physical production assets, hankyung.com reported on September 30, 2026.

Surging Freight Rates and Energy Prices Lift Trading Profitability

Global shipping and commodity markets have entered a synchronized rally. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) climbed past 3,600 at the end of September 2026, marking its highest level in roughly two years. Lower transit volumes through the Panama Canal and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have pushed freight costs upward. At the same time, winter demand has lifted energy raw material prices, directly expanding margins for traditional trading operations.

Stock prices across the sector responded immediately on the Korea Exchange. POSCO International shares jumped 4.60% to close at 56,900 won, while LX International surged 7.18% to 43,300 won. Hyundai Corporation and GS글로벌 (GS Global) also recorded gains of 0.20% and 5.96% respectively, though Samsung C&T dipped 1.01%. Consensus estimates compiled by the AI investment information service Epic AI indicate that full-year operating profits for POSCO International and LX International will reach 1.4748 trillion won and 471.1 billion won respectively, representing year-on-year increases of 26.6% and 61.3%. SK증권 (SK Securities) projects that Samsung C&T’s trading division will post an operating profit exceeding 414 billion won, up more than 50% from the prior year.

U.S. Shale Gas Acquisition Targets 100 Billion Won Annual Return

South Korean general trading companies are shifting away from pure intermediary trade toward asset-backed business models that secure direct production assets. POSCO International reached an agreement to acquire shale gas production assets in the Marcellus basin of Pennsylvania for 550 million dollars. The transaction, scheduled to close in mid-November 2026, involves holding a 100 percent stake in the assets through a local subsidiary and a dedicated special purpose company.

The acquisition establishes a third major gas production base for the company alongside Myanmar and Australia, positioning it directly within the world’s largest natural gas producing and exporting market. POSCO International anticipates generating over 100 billion won in annual operating profit from the venture starting in 2028. Meritz Securities analyst Moon Kyung-won noted that the expansion captures anticipated domestic U.S. gas demand growth and creates synergies with existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading operations.

LX International Expands into Critical Minerals for Batteries

Individual conglomerates are pursuing distinct strategies to restructure their portfolios beyond traditional trading and fossil fuels. LX International is expanding beyond coal-centric resource operations toward critical minerals required for electric vehicles and batteries, including nickel, copper, and bauxite. Shinhan Investment Corp. analyst Han Seung-hun stated that new mine acquisition work is expected to materialize before the end of the year, drawing on the firm’s historical operating experience in overseas mines, palm oil plantations, and power assets inherited from its days as LG International.

Samsung C&T’s trading division is concentrating on renewable energy development, focusing primarily on solar power and energy storage system (ESS) projects. The division initiated its renewable energy footprint in 2010 with wind and solar developments in Canada before expanding its project development scope into the United States and Australia.

SCFI Index Rises as POSCO International Buys Shale Assets

The SCFI crossed the 3,600 threshold amid persistent disruptions in key maritime corridors, creating a time-lagged earnings boost that is expected to intensify through the winter heating season. Meanwhile, POSCO International’s 550 million dollar purchase of Pennsylvania Marcellus shale assets remains on track for final settlement in mid-November 2026, setting a concrete timeline for the firm’s entry into North American gas extraction.