Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Removing Obsolete “Spiderweb” Regulations to Accelerate Real Growth in AI and Robotics

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister JK Kim) reviewed and approved 40 regulatory sandbox projects in fields including AI, robotics, and energy at the 3rd Industrial Convergence Regulatory Special Case Review Committee held on September 25, 2025. Among the items deliberated in person was a set of government-designed regulatory sandbox projects prepared jointly with the Personal Information Protection Commission and the Ministry of Employment and Labor. The projects aim to proactively rationalize regulations that have hindered the use of AI in industrial sites. As part of these projects, AeiROBOT will demonstrate an AI-equipped bipedal humanoid robot equipped in industrial settings. Current laws lack relevant standards and safety requirements, limiting the deployment of such robots in workplaces. The demonstration will generate data needed to establish standards and safety criteria, which is expected to accelerate the proliferation of industrial AI, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and reduce occupational risks by enabling robots to perform hazardous and repetitive tasks. iVH will generate synthetic data from real driving video footage and use it to train and evaluate autonomous driving AI models. Synthetic data delivers performance comparable to original data while enabling models to learn rare scenarios, such as multi-vehicle collisions. However, companies have raised concerns about potential violations of the Personal Information Protection Act if individuals are identifiable in synthetic data. This demonstration aims to establish safe standards for the generation of synthetic data, contributing to the advancement of autonomous driving technology. In addition to the government-designed projects, Korea Railway Solar Power Co., Ltd. will demonstrate a “power-generating railway” by installing carpet-type solar panels on railway tracks to produce and supply electricity. Currently, solar power operators must obtain regulatory approvals such as electrical construction permits, file notifications, and undergo pre-use inspections, but no detailed standards exist for solar panels installed on railway tracks. This demonstration marks Korea’s first attempt to deploy railway-based solar power and is expected to contribute to the diversification and expansion of renewable energy. Separately, Minister Kim visited Neubility, a company specializing in outdoor mobile robots, on September 24, 2025, to hear industry concerns. Neubility had requested streamlined safety certification procedures for outdoor mobile robots at the first Core Regulatory Rationalization Strategy Meeting chaired by the President on September 15, 2025. Currently, companies must undergo a two-month process covering 16 evaluation items before operating such robots on sidewalks. MOTIE plans to consolidate or remove certain items without compromising safety, shorten certification periods, and amend relevant laws within the year. Minister Kim stressed, “This round of regulatory exemptions is significant in that it helped break down silos between ministries and proactively removed outdated and unnecessary ‘spiderweb’ regulations. With the launch of the M.AX Alliance, we will mobilize all available measures to swiftly resolve on-site regulatory barriers and fully support efforts to accelerate manufacturing AX.” date2025-09-26

Korea’s Retail Industry Grows 3.7% in August

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on September 24 that Korea’s retail industry grew 3.7 percent year-on-year in August 2025, with offline sales falling 3.1 percent and online sales rising 10.5 percent. MOTIE's monthly retail sales figures are based on surveys of 23 major retailers, comprising 13 brick-and-mortar retailers and 10 online retailers. By offline retail channel, department stores rose 2.8 percent and convenience stores gained 1.1 percent, while large supermarkets fell 15.6 percent and super supermarkets (SSM) dropped 5.9 percent. This decline was largely due to Chuseok falling 19 days later than last year, which reduced food sales compared with August 2024.  Department stores also saw weaker food sales, but strong indoor marketing campaigns during record late-summer heatwaves boosted luxury goods and fashion/apparel, driving overall growth. By category, offline sales fell in food (down 6.9 percent), electronics/culture (down 18.1 percent), and household goods (down 5.7 percent). Online sales expanded across services such as food delivery, e-coupons, and travel products (up 18.1 percent), as well as food (up 16.3 percent) and cosmetics (up 13.5 percent).   date2025-09-25

Private Sector Experts Propose Policies for Critical Minerals Recycling

The Private Expert Committee on Critical Minerals Recycling, which has operated since April 2025 to support the growth of Korea’s critical minerals recycling industry, has identified 31 policy tasks under four key strategies—building industrial foundations, improving regulations and systems, establishing management frameworks, and fostering technological innovation—and proposed them to the government. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister JK Kim) announced that following the release of the Policy Direction for Promoting Critical Minerals Recycling at the 4th Supply Chain Stabilization Committee Meeting in March 2025, it launched the Private Expert Committee in April 2025 to reflect the views of businesses and experts in policymaking. The committee, chaired by Park Hyun-chul, President of the Critical Minerals Recycling Forum, consists of 22 members across subcommittees on industry support, regulatory improvement, and technology development. Between April and September 2025, the committee held over ten meetings and presented 31 policy tasks to the government. These were classified into top-priority (8), key (8), and follow-up (15) tasks based on importance, urgency, and industry demand. Top-priority tasks include expanding government support to strengthen industrial competitiveness, broadening the designation of recyclable resources to secure raw materials, easing import restrictions, and developing demonstration technologies for rare earth recycling. MOTIE will actively incorporate these recommendations into the comprehensive Plan to Promote Critical Minerals Recycling, which is being developed this year through a joint task force of three ministries—MOTIE, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF), and the Ministry of Environment (MOE). MOTIE will continue efforts to boost Korea’s critical minerals recycling industry and enhance the stability of critical minerals supply chains. date2025-09-25

Korea’s Auto Industry Maintains Growth Momentum in August

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on September 16 that Korea’s automobile exports, domestic sales, and production all increased year-on-year in August, marking the second consecutive month of growth. Automobile exports rose 8.6 percent to $5.5 billion, the highest August level on record. Cumulative exports for January–August also set a new record at $47.7 billion. By region, exports to the EU climbed 54.0 percent to $0.8 billion, while exports to non-EU European countries soared 73.2 percent to $0.6 billion. Exports of eco-friendly vehicles increased 26.6 percent to 69,000 units, continuing eight straight months of growth. Electric vehicle (EV) exports surged 78.4 percent to 23,000 units. Domestic automobile sales grew 8.3 percent to 139,000 units. Eco-friendly vehicles accounted for 50.7 percent of total sales, with 70,000 units sold (up 36.1 percent year-on-year). EV sales in particular rose 55.7 percent to 24,000 units. Cumulative EV sales for January–August reached 141,000 units, nearly matching the full-year 2024 total. Automobile production increased 7.1 percent year-on-year to 321,000 units, the highest August figure since 2013, supported by solid demand in both export and domestic markets.   date2025-09-17

Korea’s ICT Exports Up 11.1% in August

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Science and ICT announced on September 15 that Korea’s exports of ICT goods in August 2025 rose 11.1 percent year-on-year to USD 22.9 billion, while imports grew 7.6 percent to $12.5 billion. The trade balance recorded a surplus of $10.3 billion. Despite new tariff measures, ICT exports reached an all-time high for the month of August, driven by record-breaking semiconductor shipments. Semiconductor exports surged 27.0 percent year-on-year, supported by rising DRAM and NAND contract prices and strong demand for high-value memory products such as DDR5 and HBM. Communication device exports increased 1.8 percent, supported by favorable demand for battlefield communications equipment in the U.S. and Mexico. By contrast, exports of displays (down 9.4 percent), mobile phones (down 15.4 percent), and computers/peripherals (down 16.6 percent) declined. Display exports fell on weak demand for TVs, monitors, and mobile devices. Mobile phone exports were weighed down by slowing parts shipments despite solid demand for new finished models. Computer and peripheral exports were impacted by last year’s high base for SSD shipments, though demand from data centers in China and the Netherlands helped narrow the decline. By destination, exports to Taiwan (up 65.6 percent), Vietnam (up 18.0 percent), the EU (up 8.2 percent), Japan (up 3.9 percent), and China including Hong Kong (up 0.3 percent) all increased, while exports to the U.S. fell 9.9 percent. ICT imports in August rose 7.6 percent year-on-year to $12.5 billion, driven by gains in semiconductors (up 4.7 percent), mobile phones (up 20.2 percent), and computers/peripherals (up 31.1 percent).   date2025-09-16

Prime Minister Kim Attends Opening Ceremony of 2025 World Climate Industry EXPO

The 2025 World Climate Industry EXPO (WCE) opened on August 27, 2025, in Busan, Korea. This large-scale expo is co-hosted by the Korean government, the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the World Bank (WB) as the central event of Energy Super Week (August 25–29, 2025). Under the theme “Energy for AI, AI for Energy,” the expo features exhibitions, 12 conferences, and nearly 60 side events and programs. ▶Global Energy and Climate Leaders Gather in Busan More than 1,000 participants attended the opening ceremony, including representatives from 32 government delegations, ambassadors from 15 countries and officials from 24 diplomatic missions in Korea, as well as the Executive Director of the IEA and the Vice President of the World Bank. Major digital companies—including Microsoft, Google, NVIDIA, and Amazon Web Services—joined the event alongside global clean energy leaders such as RWE, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Bloom Energy. Korean corporations also participated in force, including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, SK Innovation, Hanwha Qcells, and Doosan Enerbility. In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated, “Korea will pursue carbon neutrality while strengthening energy security and sustaining economic growth by building an “Energy Highway,” expanding power grids and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.” He added, “We will work with the international community toward a sustainable future powered by AI and energy.” Keynote addresses followed. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol projected that AI, electric vehicles, and cooling could drive electricity demand up to six times the pace of overall energy demand. He stressed the importance of grid investment, noting, “Rapid grid expansion is a shared global challenge in the AI era. Strong, flexible power systems are the foundation of competitiveness in the AI industry.” Microsoft’s Director of Sustainability Policy Michelle Patron said, “Grid investment is necessary to expand clean energy supply in line with demands from AI and economic growth.” She added, “To secure reliable carbon-free energy supply for businesses, we must improve procurement approaches and coherently align relevant policy instruments, such as power purchase agreements (PPAs) and renewable energy certificates (RECs).” ▶New Korean Administration Unveils Visions for Climate and Energy The 2025 WCE operates six exhibition halls, where nearly 540 companies present future energy solutions and industrial strategies enabled by next-generation grids, AI, and renewable energy. This year’s highlight is the newly launched “Energy Highway” hall featuring Korea’s three major power equipment companies—Hyosung Heavy Industries, LS Electric, and HD Hyundai Electric. The hall showcases strategic projects of the new Korean administration, such as a West Coast high-voltage direct current (HVDC) network, along with onshore and offshore grid solutions, smart grids, microgrids, ultra-high-voltage transformers, and energy storage systems (ESS). Other exhibits feature a broad range of next-generation energy technologies. Doosan Enerbility presents Korea’s first 10MW-class wind turbine and small modular reactor (SMR) technologies. Korea Zinc introduces a value chain linking renewable energy and green hydrogen, while Hanwha Qcells showcases innovative technologies and products for building RE100 industrial complexes, including floating solar panels and agrivoltaics. Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, SK Innovation, and Hyundai Motor provide a glimpse into the future of energy-AI convergence through consumer-facing innovations, such as immersion cooling for AI data centers, AI chips and glass substrates, zero-energy buildings, smart homes, eco-friendly heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging robots. � date2025-08-29

Korea’s Retail Industry Grows 9.1% in July

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on August 27 that Korea’s retail industry grew 9.1 percent year-on-year in July 2025, with offline sales gaining 2.7 percent and online sales surging 15.3 percent. MOTIE's monthly retail sales figures are based on surveys of 23 major retailers, comprising 13 brick-and-mortar retailers and 10 online retailers. By offline retail channel, convenience stores rose 3.9 percent, marking their first gain in four months. This growth was partly driven by use of People’s Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons, issued by the Korean government as part of efforts to revitalize the economy. Department stores also climbed 5.1 percent, supported by positive growth across all product categories except miscellaneous goods. Super supermarket operators edged up 1.8 percent, maintaining their upward trajectory for the fifth consecutive month. By category, offline sales expanded in food products (up 2.7 percent), services/others (up 4.4 percent), and luxury goods (up 11.3 percent). Meanwhile, online sales posted solid growth in July, driven by strong performance in the services category (up 24.9 percent) and the food category (up 24.2 percent). date2025-08-28

2025 APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting Opens in Korea

Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) is hosting the 15th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Energy Ministerial Meeting (APEC EMM) in Busan on August 27–28, 2025. In line with the global trend of advancing carbon neutrality while ensuring energy security, the meeting seeks to set directions and explore collaborative measures for energy transition and innovation in the APEC region. This year marks Korea’s first time chairing the APEC EMM in 20 years. The opening ceremony carries added significance as it took place at Nurimaru APEC House, the venue of the 2005 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. <15th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting> - (Date/Venue) August 27 (Wed) 16:30–18:30 — Nurimaru APEC House (Korea’s opening remarks available to the public) August 28 (Thu) 09:00–16:00 — Paradise Hotel Busan - (Agenda) ① Electricity grid & energy security, ② Expanding stable energy supply, ③ AI-driven energy innovation - (Participants) About 340 representatives from 21 APEC member economies, international organizations, and global companies A key global energy trend today is accelerating electrification, driven by the growth of advanced industries and the expansion of AI data centers. With energy demand surging, reliable supply and stronger grid security are becoming increasingly critical. AI has contributed to demand growth, but it can also improve efficiency by optimizing energy systems. Against this backdrop, the 15th APEC EMM is addressing the following three key agendas. The first agenda is expanding reliable energy supply. With energy demand rising within the APEC region—driven by AI data centers and the electrification of industries and transportation—participants are discussing measures to expand stable, affordable, and dependable supply. Senior officials from Mission Innovation and the World Bank are also attending this session to share insights on public-private cooperation for strategic investment and technology innovation. The second agenda is strengthening grid security and reliability. This session provides an opportunity to explore measures in bolstering energy security through grid expansion and modernization. Representatives from international organizations, including the Clean Energy Ministerial Secretariat, and global energy companies are participating in discussing grid modernization strategies, technological advances, and opportunities for regional innovation. The third agenda is AI-driven energy innovation. Participants are discussing how AI can help improve both the efficiency and reliability of energy systems, while recognizing that AI-driven transformation and energy innovation need to move forward together. The World Economic Forum and the Asian Development Bank are also participating, introducing initiatives and programs that apply AI in energy systems. These agendas will be taken up in depth at the APEC EMM plenary session. In his opening remarks, Vice Minister of MOTIE Lee Ho-hyeon stated, “Korea is developing a range of energy technologies to expand supply in response to surging demand, building an “Energy Highway” to enhance grid stability and resilience, and pursuing a “K-Grid” that combines microgrids with AI to improve the efficiency of grid management.” He added, “The 15th APEC EMM will be a key milestone in advancing energy cooperation in the region." date2025-08-28

Korea’s Auto Industry Posts Comprehensive Growth in July

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on August 19 that Korea’s automobile exports, domestic sales, and production all rose year-on-year in July, marking a solid start to the second half of 2025. Automobile exports grew for the second consecutive month, reaching $5.8 billion (up 8.8 percent year-on-year). This was driven by a 5.8 percent rise in new vehicle exports and a 17.0 percent surge in eco-friendly vehicle exports, namely electric vehicles (EVs, up 12.3 percent), hybrid vehicles (up 18.1 percent), and plug-in hybrid vehicles (up 31.7 percent). By destination, automobile exports to the EU climbed 32.7 percent to $0.7 billion, while those to non-EU regions soared 78.7 percent to $0.6 billion year-on-year. Exports to the Middle East declined 13.8 percent to $0.4 billion, largely due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Meanwhile, domestic sales of eco-friendly vehicles set a new monthly record in July, accounting for 55.3 percent of total automobiles sold in Korea. In particular, EV sales spiked 69.4 percent year-on-year to nearly 26,000 units. As of July 30 (US local time), Korea and the US agreed to set tariffs on automobiles and auto parts at 15 percent, easing much of the trade uncertainty. The Korean government plans to support the automobile industry in swiftly adapting to the new trade environment and secure growth momentum through financial aid, technology development, and new market opportunities. date2025-08-20

Minister Visits Hanwha Ocean’s Shipyard

Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan visited Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje Shipyard in Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea, on Thursday, August 14, 2025. During his first industrial site visit since taking office, the minister attended the naming ceremony for two very large liquefied natural gas carriers, where he delivered congratulatory remarks and celebrated alongside Hanwha Ocean CEO Kim Hee-cheul and other officials. The minister then toured specialty shipyards before visiting the maintenance, repair, and overhaul site for Charles Drew, the 3rd US naval vessel currently at the Geojeo Shipyard. Encouraging employees and crew members, he also met with Kim Yoo-chul, leader of Hanwha Ocean’s labor union, to express appreciation for workers’ dedication to the rebound of Korea’s shipbuilding industry. date2025-08-19