Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

K-FEZ Expands Investment Outreach to Japanese Port and Logistics Companies

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) hosted “K-FEZ Day in Japan” on December 11, 2025, in Fukuoka. Focused on the port and logistics sector, the event showcased the investment appeal and business environment of Korea’s Free Economic Zones (K-FEZs) to companies in Japan’s Kyushu region, as part of efforts to expand investment outreach. The program included an overview of the K-FEZ investment environment; presentations on port and logistics projects in the Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Busan–Jinhae Free Economic Zones; a briefing by the Japan Maritime Center on the role of Korea–China–Japan manufacturing logistics; and one-on-one investment consultations. Approximately 100 participants attended, including representatives from MOTIR, KOTRA, the Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Busan–Jinhae Free Economic Zone Authorities, as well as major Japanese port and logistics companies such as Nippon Express, Mitsui-Soko, and Kokura Transport. Each Free Economic Zone Authority introduced its specialized initiatives—such as cold-chain clusters, e-commerce districts, and integrated logistics manufacturing facilities. J&K Logistics, a Japanese logistics consulting firm, also shared successful cases of Japanese logistics companies investing in Korea and proposed concrete models for Korea–Japan cooperation, drawing keen interest from participants. Je Kyung-hee, Director-General of the Free Economic Zone Planning Office, stated that “this event reaffirmed the strong interest of major Japanese port and logistics companies in K-FEZs,” adding that “MOTIR will continue strengthening tailored, industry-specific investment promotion activities aligned with the unique characteristics of each Free Economic Zone Authority.” MOTIR plans to promote the K-FEZ investment environment to major investment partner countries, including Japan, and expand opportunities for cooperation with potential investors. date2025-12-11

Korea Discusses Preparatory Measures for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) convened the WTO Multilateral Trade Strategy Meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, together with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea in Geneva. With the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference set for March 26–29, 2026, in Cameroon, participants examined recent developments and Korea’s response strategies regarding key agenda items for MC14 and the WTO General Council on December 16–17, 2025. These included WTO reform, incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement and the E-commerce Agreement into the WTO system, and negotiations on agriculture and fisheries subsidies. The IFD Agreement, currently supported by 128 participating members, was concluded at MC13 under Korea’s co-chairmanship. Korea has since worked to incorporate it into the WTO system, including through the adoption of a supporting statement at APEC in May 2025 and the hosting of an IFD session at the WTO Public Forum in September 2025. Trade Minister Yeo noted, “Amid growing global trade uncertainties, enhancing the WTO’s relevance and restoring the multilateral trading system are vital to ensuring a predictable trade and investment environment for Korean businesses.” He emphasized the need to work closely with relevant ministries and like-minded members to achieve meaningful outcomes at MC14, including incorporation of the IFD Agreement and extension of the E-commerce Moratorium. date2025-12-10

MOTIR Holds the 52nd Trade Promotion Committee

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) chaired the 52nd Trade Promotion Committee on Wednesday, December 10, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul.   The meeting brought together officials from relevant ministries to review plans for holding the Korea–U.S. FTA Joint Committee, assess progress on the Korea–UK FTA upgrade negotiations, and examine key trade issues involving the EU, Mexico, and Canada, as well as developments related to the U.S. IEEPA lawsuit.   In his opening remarks, Trade Minister Yeo emphasized that “stable management of non-tariff issues remains critically important” following the conclusion of bilateral tariff negotiations with the United States, and called for “active inter-ministerial cooperation as the government prepares for the Joint Committee.” He also underscored the government’s commitment to “maintain vigilance and pursue proactive response measures as major economies expand protectionist measures and global trade conditions remain volatile.” date2025-12-10

Korea to Promote Balanced Regional Growth Through FDI

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) convened the third Central–Local Government Policy Council on Foreign Direct Investment on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Chaired by Director-General for Trade and Investment Kang Gam-chan, the meeting brought together representatives from 13 metropolitan cities and provinces, along with five Free Economic Zone (FEZ) authorities, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (Invest KOREA), and the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation (KICOX), to discuss FDI attraction strategies to support Korea’s transition from a Seoul Capital Area-centered, single-core structure to a regionally led, multi-core structure built around the Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces. Approximately 75 percent of Korea’s FDI inflows from 1998 to 2024 were concentrated in the Seoul Capital Area, suggesting that regional imbalances persisted even after taking Korea’s capital-region-centered economic structure into account. Against this backdrop, the council discussed policy directions to use FDI to promote growth across Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces and to attract more foreign investment to regional areas, particularly in advanced technologies, critical supply chains, and other strategic industries. Participants also discussed measures to encourage investment and accelerate implementation, including strategic investor relations (IR) outreach, support for foreign investment zones, and efforts to address on-the-ground business difficulties.  At the meeting, Director-General Kang said, “MOTIR will expand incentives, including cash grants, to steer FDI toward key regional hubs.” Representatives of metropolitan cities and provinces also pledged to step up efforts to attract foreign investment by building on their regional strengths. MOTIR will incorporate industry feedback and expert input from the meeting into its 2026 FDI policy agenda. The ministry will also continue to strengthen central–local coordination by holding semiannual councils on FDI and trade. date2025-12-10

Korea’s Exports Hit Record High in November

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced on December 1 that Korea’s exports in November 2025 rose 8.4 percent year-on-year to USD 61.0 billion, the highest on record for November and marking the sixth consecutive month of growth, while imports increased 1.2 percent to $51.3 billion. The trade balance posted a surplus of $9.7 billion. Cumulative exports for January–November reached $640.2 billion, setting a new record for the period for the first time in three years. On a daily average basis, exports came to $2.7 billion, up 13.3 percent year-on-year and the highest November level on record. By item, six of Korea’s 15 major export categories posted growth. Semiconductor exports jumped 38.6 percent to $17.3 billion, an all-time monthly high, driven by strong data-center demand for high-value memory and rising memory prices. Automobile exports rose 13.7 percent to $6.4 billion on strong sales of hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. Exports of wireless communication devices increased 1.6 percent to $1.7 billion, supported by higher shipments of mobile phone components. Secondary battery exports rose 2.2 percent to $670 million, driven by ESS demand. In contrast, petroleum products exports fell 10.3 percent to $3.3 billion due to reduced shipments, while petrochemical exports declined 14.1 percent to $3.1 billion amid continued downward price pressure from global oversupply. By region, exports increased in five of Korea’s nine major markets. Exports to the United States were broadly flat, edging down 0.2 percent to $10.4 billion, as robust semiconductor and automobile shipments were offset by weaker exports of steel, general machinery, and auto parts amid tariff-related pressures. Exports to China rose 6.9 percent to $12.1 billion, supported by semiconductors, petroleum products, and general machinery, and remained above $11.0 billion for the third straight month. Exports to ASEAN increased 6.3 percent to $10.4 billion on semiconductor demand, while exports to the Middle East, CIS countries, and India also posted solid gains. Exports to the EU, Japan, and Latin America, however, declined across the board. MOTIR Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim stated, “Korea’s exports continued their upward trajectory for the sixth consecutive month in November, a meaningful achievement that reflects the ability of Korean companies to turn challenges into opportunities, especially at a time when expanding global protectionism, including U.S. tariffs, is weighing on export conditions.” He added, “With the November 26 introduction of the Special Act for Korea–U.S. Strategic Investment Management, tariff-reduction requirements for automobile and parts makers have now been met, easing uncertainty over shipments to the U.S. market. The government will strengthen policy support to ensure Korea’s exports maintain their growth momentum into December and continue to play a central role in driving economic recovery and growth.” date2025-12-01

MOTIR Attends the 29th Korea–Latin America Business Forum

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), attended the 29th Korea–Latin America Business Forum held on Friday, November 28, at COEX in Seoul. The event was co-hosted with the Korean Council on Latin America and the Caribbean and brought together diplomatic representatives from 18 Latin American countries, Korean companies operating in the region, and officials from trade and investment support institutions to review business conditions in Latin America and discuss cooperation on critical minerals and supply-chain resilience. In his welcoming remarks, Deputy Minister Park underscored the government’s commitment to expand cooperation with Latin American partners through various platforms and dialogues, while actively supporting Korean companies seeking to enter regional markets. date2025-11-28

Korea’s Retail Industry Grows 6.7% in October

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced on November 26 that Korea’s retail industry grew 6.7 percent year-on-year in October 2025, with offline sales up 6.6 percent and online sales up 6.8 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 12.2 percent, large supermarkets gained 9.3 percent, and convenience stores increased 0.7 percent, while super supermarkets (SSM) fell 1.7 percent. Growth was driven by a long holiday period, late-Chuseok demand, and company-wide promotional campaigns during the nationwide Korea Grand Festival (October 29–November 9). As a result, department stores and large supermarkets saw strong gains, convenience stores recorded their fourth consecutive month of growth, while SSMs saw their third straight month of decline. Online sales continued to grow, led by food, services—such as e-coupons, delivery services, and cultural/travel products—as well as electronics and cosmetics. By category, sales increased across all major segments, including home appliances (up 2.4 percent) supported by the energy-efficient appliance rebate program, fashion/accessories (up 4.7 percent), food (up 8.7 percent), services (up 6.0 percent), and premium international brands (up 19.5 percent). date2025-11-26

MOTIR Supports Global Expansion of K-Beauty, K-Food, and Other Korean Consumer Goods

Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), attended the “2025 Korea Grand Sourcing Fair (KGSF 2025)” on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at COEX Hall B in Seoul. Organized by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) since 2009, the fair is an export consultation event inviting overseas buyers. This year, the fair brought together 880 Korean companies and 150 overseas buyers from 30 countries. Notably, about 70 percent of participating companies were from the K-beauty and K-food sectors, underscoring strong global demand for Korean consumer goods driven by Hallyu. In his congratulatory remarks, Director General Kang stated, “As K-culture continues to spread, Korean consumer goods are rapidly emerging as a new driver of exports, with cumulative exports from January to October 2025 reaching USD 85.7 billion, up 1.6 percent year-on-year.” He added, “The government will continue pursuing support measures to help Korean companies overcome global trade uncertainties and further expand consumer goods exports.” To that end, the government will strengthen marketing efforts at global events—such as K-pop concerts held alongside Hallyu expos—to expand opportunities for on-site consumer engagement and product promotion. The government will also work with KOTRA to address on-site challenges by enhancing logistics services tailored to consumer goods, including shelf-life management and return handling, and by expanding country-specific certification and consulting support. It also plans to strengthen online export platforms by building global e-commerce channels and launching integrated delivery and payment-processing solutions. Meanwhile, KITA announced that this year’s fair is expected to generate over 2,200 export consultations. It added that inviting halal buyers and global distributors, as well as conducting influencer-driven marketing activities, is expected to help Korean companies secure new overseas sales channels. date2025-11-26

Promising Materials, Parts, and Equipment Firms Climb the Growth Ladder Through Global Investment

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the Global Investor IR Day event on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at The Westin Seoul Parnas. The event brought together around 150 participants, including representatives from eight domestic and global investment institutions—such as LB Investment and Korea Investment Partners—as well as 94 Korean materials, parts, and equipment (MPE) companies. Overview of Global Investor IR Day Date and Venue: Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 10:30–16:30 / LL Floor, The Westin Seoul Parnas Key Participants: MOTIR Director General for Trade and Investment; Park Ki-ho, Chairman of the Korea Core Industrial Technology Investment Association; eight domestic and global investors, including LB Investment, Korea Investment Partners, IMM Investment, Woori Venture Partners, SBI Investment, TEL VC, STIC Ventures, and NAU IB Capital; and 94 Korean MPE companies including PLAIF and Sealink, totaling approximately 150 participants Program: Investment-strategy presentations by participating institutions and one-on-one pitching sessions between domestic and global investors and Korean companies The event was organized to support promising Korean MPE companies—many of which possess strong technological capabilities but face difficulties securing capital—by facilitating investment matching with domestic and global private equity funds, venture capital firms, and other private investors. The first Global Investor IR Day, held on October 31, 2025, alongside the Invest KOREA Summit 2025, resulted in USD 50 million in matched investment commitments for six Korean MPE firms. MOTIR has steadily strengthened its policy foundation through support for technology development and commercialization, and this event serves as a practical support program that directly connects private capital with innovative companies, helping to bridge the funding gap for growth-stage firms. Notably, the event drew strong investor interest in leading MPE technology companies such as PLAIF, an AI-powered autonomous dual-arm robot-solutions company participating in the K-Humanoid Alliance aimed at commercializing Korean humanoid robots, and Sealink, which developed an eco-friendly sealing device for semiconductor equipment through a MOTIR R&D project—challenging the paradigm in a field previously dominated by Japanese companies. During the event, investors shared their investment strategies, focus areas, and market outlooks, and held one-on-one meetings to conduct in-depth reviews of each company’s technological capabilities, market potential, business models, and revenue prospects. They also agreed to continue follow-up discussions with the companies after the event to build ongoing relationships. In his congratulatory remarks, Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at MOTIR, stated, “For growth-stage companies, securing timely capital for R&D, facility investment, and overseas expansion is absolutely critical. The government will continue working to ensure that companies that have achieved technological innovation through national R&D programs, as well as promising firms that play key roles in supply chains, can obtain the financing they need at each stage of their growth.” date2025-11-25

Global Investor IR Day Held in Seoul

Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), delivered congratulatory remarks at the Global Investor IR Day held on Tuesday, November 25, at The Westin Seoul Parnas. The event brought together around 150 participants, including Park Ki-ho, Chairman of the Korea Core Industrial Technology Investment Association; domestic and global investors such as LB Investment and Korea Investment Partners; and representatives from Korean materials, parts, and equipment (MPE) companies. In his congratulatory remarks, Director General Kang emphasized the importance of securing timely capital for growth-stage companies, noting that the government will continue providing financing for companies with technological innovation obtained through national R&D programs, as well as promising firms that play a key role in supply chains. date2025-11-25