Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

MOTIR Minister Highlights Urgency of AI Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness of Mid-Sized Enterprises

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced that Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim delivered a keynote speech at the “CEO Forum for Mid-Sized Enterprises” hosted by the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea (FOMEK, Chairman Choi Jin-shik) on Monday, November 3, at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. The event was attended by around 100 CEOs from Korea’s mid-sized enterprises. In his speech, titled “The New Age of Exploration,” Minister Kim stated, “Just as the invention of the compass in the 15th century ushered in the Age of Exploration that reshaped global wealth and power, it is now time for Korean companies to seize the new compass of artificial intelligence (AI) and chart new routes in the global market.” He emphasized that mid-sized enterprises—the backbone of the Korean economy and industry—must take an active role in the shift toward industrial AI transformation. In response, the mid-sized enterprise community agreed that accelerating industrial AI adoption is essential for business survival and growth. Representatives from mid-sized enterprises also highlighted challenges in responding to rapid changes such as AI transformation, the green transition, and supply chain realignments driven by recent tariff measures. They requested stronger policy support across global expansion, technology development, finance, taxation, human resources, and regulatory reform. In response, Minister Kim affirmed that the government will work closely with relevant ministries to provide maximum support so that mid-sized enterprises can grow into larger, globally competitive companies.   date2025-11-04

Korea’s Exports Hit New Peak for October

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced on November 1 that Korea’s exports in October 2025 rose 3.6 percent year-on-year to USD 59.6 billion, the highest on record for October, while imports fell 1.5 percent to $53.5 billion. The trade surplus stood at $6.1 billion, bringing the cumulative surplus for January–October to $56.4 billion and surpassing the total for 2024. Despite fewer working days during the Chuseok holiday, exports grew for the fifth consecutive month, and average daily exports climbed 14 percent to $3.0 billion, reaching an all-time high. Semiconductor exports increased 25.4 percent to $15.7 billion, driven by strong demand for high-value memory such as HBM and DDR5. Ship exports, including offshore plants, soared 131.2 percent to $4.7 billion, while petroleum product exports rose 12.7 percent to $3.8 billion. By region, exports to Latin America nearly doubled (up 99 percent) to $4.7 billion—a record level led by large offshore plant deliveries—and exports to the CIS climbed 34.4 percent to $1.3 billion, marking eight straight months of growth. Exports to the United States declined 16.2 percent to $8.7 billion due to tariff-related challenges, while exports to China and ASEAN also fell slightly. Exports to Taiwan jumped 46 percent to a record $5.2 billion on strong semiconductor demand. MOTIR Minister Kim Jung-kwan stated, “Semiconductors and ships drove export growth for the fifth consecutive month. With the recent Korea-U.S. agreement on detailed tariff negotiations, Korea’s key export items—including automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals—will no longer face disadvantages in the U.S. market. The government will ensure that this agreement and related financial measures create new growth opportunities for Korean industries.”   date2025-11-03

Korea Honors Contributors and Organizations on the 55th National Metrology Day

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) held a ceremony on Friday, October 31, to mark the 55th National Metrology Day and presented 35 awards to individuals and organizations that have contributed to strengthening Korea’s national competitiveness in metrology. At the ceremony, Nam Gi-dong, CEO of DYC&T, received the Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit in recognition of his contribution to industrial advancement through the development of Korea’s first 30 MN-class high-capacity force measuring instrument. Dr. Kwon Jae-Yong of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) received a Presidential Commendation for his achievement in developing a world-class primary standard for electromagnetic power. In addition, the first Legal Metrology Idea Contest was held this year, with six outstanding entries selected from 92 submissions, helping to raise public interest and participation in the metrology sector. A pre-event seminar themed “AI and the Future of Industrial Metrology” featured the Vice Chair of China’s Digital Metrology Technology Committee as a guest speaker, who shared policy trends in AI and industrial metrology. Korean experts from industry, academia, and research institutions also gathered to discuss the importance of metrology in the AI era and strategies for its future development. In his congratulatory remarks, KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “In advanced industries, ensuring accuracy through metrology is directly linked to national industrial competitiveness. KATS will continue to strengthen the foundation of advanced industries such as AI and semiconductors by improving metrology infrastructure and systems, while identifying and supporting contributors and organizations that advance measurement technology in the industrial field.”   date2025-10-31

Turning Crisis into Innovation: Korea’s Chemical Industry Commits to Structural Reform Through Public-Private Collaboration

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) held the 17th Chemical Industry Day ceremony on Friday, October 31, at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, with Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak, Korea Chemical Industry Association Chairman Shin Hak-cheol, and around 250 participants from the petrochemical sector in attendance. At the ceremony, Baek Jong-hoon, CEO of Kumho Petrochemical, received the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit among 42 individuals honored for their contributions to the advancement of Korea’s chemical industry. The event held particular significance, as it took place amid ongoing discussions on restructuring within the petrochemical business to address structural challenges caused by global oversupply. It served as an opportunity for both the industry and the government to reaffirm their shared commitment to overcoming the current crisis and achieving a new stage of growth. As a side event, MOTIR hosted a roundtable on the Petrochemical Industry High-Value-Added R&D Roadmap. The session brought together R&D representatives from companies participating in restructuring and experts to discuss the roadmap and strategies to enhance future competitiveness of Korea’s chemical industry. MOTIR plans to announce the final version of the R&D roadmap in November and, based on it, design a large-scale preliminary feasibility study to support the high-value-added transformation of companies undergoing business restructuring. In particular, the ministry will prioritize the R&D needs of companies actively pursuing restructuring to ensure that facility optimization naturally leads to higher value-added production. In his congratulatory remarks, Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak stated, “Korea’s petrochemical industry must simultaneously address two challenges: responding to global oversupply and achieving higher value-added production. Now is the time for bold and swift structural reform.” He added, “For companies taking proactive steps toward restructuring, the government will provide tailored support packages to ensure smooth transitions, and based on the R&D roadmap, we will promote high-value-added and eco-friendly transformation to secure fundamental competitiveness of the petrochemical industry.”   date2025-10-31

Korea’s Battery Industry Aims for Recovery and Renewed Growth

Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) attended the 5th Battery Industry Day ceremony held on Thursday, October 30, at Josun Palace Seoul. Established to recognize the achievements of the battery industry and to foster unity among its members, the event celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. More than 250 participants attended—including Vice Minister Moon; People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sung-won; Kim Dong-myung, Chairman of the Korea Battery Industry Association and CEO of LG Energy Solution; and Choi Joong-kyung, Chairman of the Korea-America Association—as well as other industry leaders and awardees. During the ceremony, 20 individuals were honored with government commendations, including the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit and the Industrial Service Medal, in recognition of their contributions to the development of the battery industry. This year’s Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit was awarded to Park Zin, Executive Vice President of Samsung SDI, for his leadership in advancing long-life and high-power battery technologies for electric vehicles and improving safety standards for energy storage system (ESS) batteries. In his congratulatory remarks, Vice Minister Moon noted that Korea’s rechargeable battery industry is facing challenges such as slowing EV demand and risks in the critical minerals supply chain. He emphasized the need to develop breakthrough technologies, diversify supply chains, and create new markets to achieve renewed growth. He affirmed, “The government will provide full support to ensure Korea’s rechargeable battery industry emerges stronger and achieves new growth after overcoming this difficult period.”   date2025-10-31

Korea’s Retail Industry Grows 7.7% in September

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced on October 29 that Korea’s retail industry grew 7.7 percent year-on-year in September 2025, with offline sales down 1.0 percent and online sales up 16.5 percent. MOTIR’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 4.8 percent and convenience stores gained 0.9 percent, both recording their third consecutive month of growth, while large supermarkets fell 11.7 percent and super supermarkets (SSM) slipped 0.2 percent. The People’s Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons boosted convenience store sales, particularly in instant foods and tobacco, while department stores benefited from strong holiday demand for food, jewelry, and other luxury items. Online sales climbed 16.5 percent from a year earlier, fueled by increased Chuseok-related purchases, continued growth in e-coupons, gift cards, and food delivery, and a broader shift toward online holiday shopping. By category, offline sales declined in electronics/culture (down 22.9 percent), household goods (down 9.4 percent), and children’s/sporting goods (down 4.0 percent). Online sales grew across food (up 26.0 percent), electronics (up 10.0 percent), and services such as e-coupons, gift cards, and food delivery (up 16.1 percent).   date2025-10-29

Discussing the Future of Productivity in the Asia-Pacific Region in Seoul

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that it will co-host the 66th session of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Governing Body Meeting (GBM) with the Korea Productivity Center (Chairman Park Sungjoong) from October 28 to 30 at The Plaza Seoul. This marks the first time since 2017 that Korea has hosted the meeting. Founded in 1961, the APO is an international organization dedicated to improving productivity and promoting sustainable economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region. The organization currently comprises 20 member economies, and this year’s meeting will bring together around 80 delegates from 19 of them. Key agenda items for this year’s GBM include the APO Vision 2030 Strategy and Implementation Roadmap, which will address challenges such as AI and digital transformation, declining birth rates and aging populations, and climate change.  Delegates will also discuss ways to enhance the APO’s operational framework, drawing on the experiences of other international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Bank. In his welcoming remarks, Lee Seung-ryeol, Director General for Industrial Policy at MOTIR, emphasized that “enhancing productivity is the most effective solution for achieving sustainable growth. Korea will continue to strengthen cooperation with member economies to ensure a smooth AI transformation that leads to productivity innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.” In his opening address, Park Sungjoong, Chairman of the Korea Productivity Center, stated, “The world today faces a complex array of challenges, including AI transformation, the climate crisis, and demographic shifts. The APO must pursue fundamental innovation in response to these demands of the times, and I hope this meeting serves as a turning point that lays the foundation for that transformation.”   date2025-10-28

Korea Announces New Basic Plan to Strengthen Materials, Parts, and Equipment Industry

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced the 2026–2030 Basic Plan for Strengthening the Materials, Parts, and Equipment (MPE) Industry, outlining strategies to enhance innovation, market, and ecosystem capabilities to drive a new phase of growth and global competitiveness. The new plan builds on achievements made since the 2019 Japanese export restrictions, which led to the first MPE Basic Plan (2020–2025) and accelerated Korea’s technological independence in key sectors. The revised plan aims to support the nation’s advanced industries and economic security in an era of intensifying global competition, while responding to emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence (AI) and carbon neutrality. Under the new plan, MOTIR will designate ten additional MPE Specialized Clusters by 2030 to expand Korea’s core manufacturing bases and foster cooperation between demand and supply companies. It will also launch 15 Super Eul Projects to develop world-leading technologies and five AI New Materials Projects to create materials for extreme environments using artificial intelligence. The government will promote collaboration in technology, production, and procurement across the value chain and advance ten ecosystem-based cooperation models to secure next-generation supply chains. Three new industry collaboration projects will receive KRW 35 billion in joint R&D and policy support over five years. Minister Kim Jung-kwan emphasized that the government will “reinforce the sector’s fundamental competitiveness through challenge, innovation, and speed,” adding that it will “expand fiscal, fund-based, and policy support while actively pursuing supply chain stabilization.”   date2025-10-24

K-Semiconductors in the AI Era Anticipate Record Exports; Industry Leaders Gather for Semiconductor Day

Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources Moon Shin-hak attended the 18th Semiconductor Day ceremony held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas on Wednesday, October 22, where he presented government awards to individuals who contributed to the advancement of Korea’s semiconductor industry. The ceremony brought together about 550 representatives from industry, academia, and research, including Song Jaihyuk, Chairman of the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association (KSIA) and President of Samsung Electronics’ Device Solutions Division, and Kwak Noh-Jung, CEO of SK hynix. In his opening remarks, Chairman Song stated, “As AI adoption accelerates and demand for advanced semiconductors grows, Korea’s semiconductor exports are expanding rapidly, drawing global attention to the competitiveness of K-semiconductors.” He emphasized that amid technological paradigm shifts such as AI and quantum computing, semiconductors are a national strategic asset, and that this is a critical window of opportunity for proactive investment, talent development, and infrastructure expansion. In his congratulatory address, Vice Minister Moon noted, “Semiconductor exports are projected to exceed USD 165 billion this year, achieving an all-time high for the second consecutive year. As we enter the AI era, Korea’s semiconductor industry will continue to strengthen its leadership in memory semiconductors while narrowing the competitiveness gap with advanced economies in areas such as system semiconductors, fabless, and materials, parts, and equipment. The government will remain steadfast in fostering semiconductors and other high-tech industries.” As of September, semiconductor exports totaled USD 119.7 billion, and are on track to reach another record high following 2024. Semiconductors accounted for 23 percent of Korea’s total exports of USD 519.7 billion through September, maintaining their position as the country’s top export category. During the ceremony, a total of 83 individuals were recognized for their contributions to the semiconductor industry and to cooperation between large and small businesses. The recipients included SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung, who received the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, along with one recipient of the Silver Tower, one of the Bronze Tower, three Industrial Service Medals, three Presidential Citations, four Prime Minister’s Citations, 40 MOTIR Minister’s Citations, and 30 KSIA Chairman’s Awards.   date2025-10-23

Korea Ramps Up AI Factories to Lead Global Manufacturing by 2030

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) held the the AI Factory M.AX (Manufacturing AI Transformation) Alliance Strategy Meeting (hereinafter “M.AX Alliance”) on October 1, bringing together leading manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to accelerate Korea’s rise as a global leader in manufacturing AI by 2030. The number of AI Factory pilot projects has surpassed 100, with a target of 500 by 2030. These projects apply AI to manufacturing to boost productivity, cut costs, and reduce carbon emissions. Examples include Samsung Electronics using AI for semiconductor inspections, Hyundai Motor deploying AI-powered robotic arms for flexible production, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries developing AI robots for ship maintenance. Humanoid robots will also begin field demonstrations this year at six sites across the display, shipbuilding, and logistics sectors. Companies including Samsung Display, CJ Logistics, LG Electronics, and SK Energy will test robots for various tasks, with more than 100 projects planned through 2027 to gather data and train AI. MOTIR will further expand the initiative to cover the entire production cycle, from factory design to supply chains and logistics. By integrating robotics, digital twins, and advanced infrastructure, Korea aims to establish fully autonomous “dark factories” and become the world’s leading exporter of AI factories by 2030. Minister Kim emphasized, “The age of AI is a race against time. By leveraging Korea’s manufacturing strengths and data, we can lead the world in AI factories. Through the M.AX Alliance, we will break down regulatory barriers, focus resources, and place Korea firmly on the path to global leadership in manufacturing AI.”   date2025-10-02