Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Korea and the EU Hold 13th FTA Trade Committee and First Strategic Dialogue

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) attended the 13th Korea–EU FTA Trade Committee and the first Strategic Dialogue on Trade, Supply Chains and Technology at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul on April 17, 2026, where he delivered opening remarks and discussed trade issues including steel and the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), as well as new trade agenda items such as critical minerals and semiconductors. The meetings were attended by Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and officials from Korea and the EU. Trade Minister Yeo said, “Today’s meetings mark an important turning point in broadening Korea–EU cooperation beyond traditional trade into a next-generation strategic partnership on economic security, supply chains, and advanced technologies. We will continue to use both high-level and working-level channels to improve predictability for Korean companies in the EU market and work closely with the EU toward a free and fair trade environment.” date2026-04-17

Korea and EU Advance Strategic Economic Partnership on Supply Chains and Economic Security

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 13th Korea–EU FTA Trade Committee meeting and the first Strategic Dialogue on Trade, Supply Chains and Technology with Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, in Seoul on April 17, 2026. The two sides noted that the Korea–EU FTA has served as a key platform for cooperation in goods, services, and investment over the past 15 years and agreed to broaden cooperation to supply chains, critical minerals, and advanced technologies amid growing economic security challenges. 1. Key Outcomes of the 13th Korea–EU FTA Trade Committee At the Trade Committee meeting, the two sides finalized the text of the Korea–EU Digital Trade Agreement (DTA), concluded in March 2026, and agreed to work closely toward its signature and entry into force. They also agreed to revise the motor vehicles and parts appendix (2-C-3), moving immediately on 26 items and continuing consultations on 11 others. The two sides agreed to begin MRA talks on telecommunications equipment, pharmaceuticals, and circular-economy packaging materials. In cosmetics, they agreed to set up a working group to address industry concerns and support trade and investment, with its first meeting planned for the second half of 2026. 2. Discussion on Key Trade Issues On key trade issues, Korea welcomed the text of the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), which would treat products from FTA partners on a par with EU-origin products. Korea also asked the EU for its attention and support in addressing concerns raised by the Korean government and industry regarding provisions that remain unclear. Korea expressed deep concern over the steel tariff-rate quota (TRQ) measure under consideration by the EU and asked that any such measure be designed in a manner consistent with the Korea–EU FTA and WTO rules. On geographical indications (GIs), Korea proposed interpretive guidance to ensure clear origin labeling and prevent consumer confusion. On the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Korea welcomed recent simplification steps and called for the early adoption of key implementing rules, including provisions on carbon prices already paid in third countries. Korea also requested safeguards against double regulation for Korea, which already operates the Korea Emissions Trading Scheme (K-ETS), and support for the recognition of Korean verification agencies by EU accreditation bodies. 3. Key Outcomes of the First Korea–EU Strategic Dialogue At the Strategic Dialogue, the two sides discussed practical cooperation in response to a new trade environment increasingly shaped by economic security concerns. They recognized shared vulnerabilities in critical minerals and semiconductors and agreed to step up strategic communication and cooperation in those areas, while continuing cooperation in AI, advanced semiconductors, and key materials. On batteries, Korea noted that Korean battery companies are contributing to EU supply chains and job creation through large-scale investment and production in Europe, and called for a larger role in EU energy storage system (ESS) projects. Korea formally proposed discussions on a tentatively titled Korea–EU Strategic Economic Partnership, which would broaden cooperation beyond trade to economic security. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on the initiative. Trade Minister Yeo said, “Today’s meetings mark an important turning point in broadening Korea–EU cooperation beyond traditional trade into a next-generation strategic partnership on economic security, supply chains, and advanced technologies. We will continue to use both high-level and working-level channels to improve predictability for Korean companies in the EU market and work closely with the EU toward a free and fair trade environment date2026-04-17

Third Round of Korea–Bangladesh CEPA Negotiations

Park Geun-oh, Director General for Trade Agreement Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and Korea’s chief negotiator, attended the opening session of the third round of official negotiations on the Korea–Bangladesh Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on April 12, 2026, in Seoul.  The meeting was joined by Ayesha Akther, Additional Secretary and Head of the Foreign Trade Agreement Wing at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce and chief negotiator for the Bangladeshi side, as well as government delegates from both countries. “A CEPA with Bangladesh, a fast-growing emerging market of 170 million people, would help Korean companies compete more effectively in South Asia,” Park said. “We will work to conclude the negotiations early.” date2026-04-13

Korea and Bangladesh Hold Third Round of CEPA Negotiations

With trade uncertainty rising at home and abroad and the need to diversify export markets growing, Korea will hold the third round of formal negotiations in Seoul from April 12 to 17, 2026, on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Bangladesh, the world’s eighth-most populous country and a key potential market in South Asia. The Office of Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) said around 60 delegates from both sides will take part in the negotiations. The Korean delegation will be led by Park Geun-oh, Director General for Trade Agreement Policy at MOTIR, and the Bangladeshi delegation by Ayesha Akther, Additional Secretary and Head of the Foreign Trade Agreement Wing at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce. Since launching negotiations in November 2024, the two sides have held two formal rounds, outlining their positions in each working group and identifying key issues. In the third round, they will build on the groundwork and hold in-depth talks in 13 areas, including goods market access, services, and rules of origin, to narrow differences over the draft agreement text. On the sidelines of the WTO ministerial conference held in Cameroon in March 2026, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister, and agreed to push for an early conclusion of the CEPA with Bangladesh, a market of 170 million people. Director General Park said, “A CEPA with Bangladesh, a fast-growing emerging market of 170 million people, would help Korean companies compete more effectively in South Asia. We will work to conclude the negotiations early.” date2026-04-13

Korea–China FTA: 14th Round of Subsequent Negotiations on Services and Investment

Kwon Hye-jin, Deputy Minister for Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), attended the 14th round of subsequent negotiations on services and investment under the Korea–China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 8, 2026, at Lotte Hotel Seoul. The meeting brought together the Korean and Chinese delegations, including Lin Feng, Director General for International Trade and Economic Affairs at China’s Ministry of Commerce, to continue talks on services, investment and finance. Deputy Minister Kwon said, “We will accelerate the negotiations to deliver outcomes that can support Korean companies facing uncertainty at home and abroad. We will also ensure that the subsequent negotiations lay the groundwork for a freer and more open environment for services trade and investment." date2026-04-09

Korea and China Hold 14th Round of FTA Subsequent Negotiations on Services and Investment

The 14th Round of Subsequent Negotiations on Services and Investment under the Korea–China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is underway in Seoul from April 6 to 10, 2026. Around 40 officials from both sides are taking part, with the Korean delegation led by Kwon Hye-jin, Deputy Minister for Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), and the Chinese delegation headed by Lin Feng, Director General for International Trade and Economic Affairs at China’s Ministry of Commerce. After the Korea–China FTA entered into force in 2015, the two sides launched follow-up negotiations on services and investment in March 2018 under the “Guidelines for Subsequent Negotiation”. Since then, they have held 13 formal rounds of negotiations and multiple intersessional meetings. At the Korea–China summit in January 2026, the two sides agreed to pursue meaningful progress in the Korea–China FTA follow-up negotiations within the year. The negotiations were discussed again at the Korea–China Trade Ministers’ Meeting on March 18, 2026 and substantive talks are expected to continue at the Korea–China FTA Joint Commission at the ministerial level, which is due to meet in the first half of 2026. With high-level channels between the two sides restored, the negotiating teams will build on this momentum and accelerate negotiations on the Agreement text and market access across the three working groups on services, investment, and finance. Deputy Minister Kwon said, “We will accelerate the negotiations to deliver outcomes that can support Korean companies facing uncertainty at home and abroad. We will also ensure that the subsequent negotiations lay the groundwork for a freer and more open environment for services trade and investment." date2026-04-08

Korea and ASEAN Hold First Joint Committee Meeting on FTA Upgrade

The first joint committee meeting on upgrading the Korea–ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was held by videoconference on April 8, 2026. About 40 representatives from both sides took part, led by Park Geun-oh, Director General for Trade Agreement Policy at Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), and Alpana Roy, Director-General for International Trade and ASEAN at Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry. Since entering into force in 2007 as Korea’s fourth FTA, the Korea–ASEAN FTA has helped expand bilateral trade and investment. However, because the agreement still centers on market opening in goods and services, it has had limits in reflecting newer global trade rules in areas such as digital trade, supply chains and critical minerals. In October 2025, the two sides declared on the sidelines of the Korea–ASEAN Summit that they would begin negotiations to upgrade the agreement, formally launching the process. Ahead of full-scale subcommittee talks in June 2026, the two sides discussed the procedural framework for the negotiations, including the Joint Committee’s rules of procedure, the structure of the negotiating subcommittees and their operating guidelines. Park Geun-oh, Director General for Trade Agreement Policy at MOTIR, said, “With the global trade environment growing more uncertain amid rising protectionism and supply chain instability, we will focus the negotiations on new trade rules on digital trade, supply chains and critical minerals to support future sectors such as AI and electric vehicles.” date2026-04-08

Trade Minister Yeo Meets with Delegation from French Business Group MEDEF

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) met with a delegation from Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) in Seoul on April 2, 2026, to step up engagement with major French companies and discuss ways to deepen Korea-France economic, investment, and industrial cooperation. The meeting was attended by François Jackow, chairman of MEDEF’s France–Korea Business Council, and 23 business representatives from 16 French companies, including Air Liquide, TotalEnergies, Veolia, and OPmobility. The participating companies represented a range of sectors, including industrial gases, energy, environmental services, and auto parts. Trade Minister Yeo said Korea and France need closer cooperation in strategic industries such as semiconductors, eco-friendly vehicles, and low-carbon supply chains, as energy transition and rapid technological changes are reshaping the global economy. He added that Korea and France can strengthen their competitiveness in global markets by combining their technological strengths and industrial bases, and noted that Korea would continue to improve the investment environment so that global companies can invest with confidence. date2026-04-02

Meeting with Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK) of the U.S. House of Representatives

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) met with a visiting delegation from the Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK) of the U.S. House of Representatives in Seoul on April 2, 2026.  The U.S. delegation included Representatives Ami Bera, Ryan Zinke, Mark Pocan, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jill Tokuda, and Pat Harrigan, along with other delegation members. The meeting was arranged to exchange views on key issues with leading members of the U.S. Congress and to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Trade Minister Yeo explained that the enactment of the Special Act for Korea–U.S. Strategic Investment Management has helped lay the groundwork for broader strategic investment cooperation, and asked for the CSGK’s continued interest and support to help deepen bilateral cooperation in areas of shared interest. date2026-04-02

MOTIR Meets Major French Companies on Closer Investment and Industrial Cooperation to Deepen Korea-France Economic Ties

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) met with a delegation from Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), France’s largest business organization, in Seoul on April 2, 2026, to discuss ways to expand Korea–France economic cooperation. Against a global trade backdrop shaped by U.S.–China strategic competition, instability in the Middle East, and Russia-related geopolitical risks, the meeting focused on stepping up engagement with major French companies, deepening Korea–France investment and industrial cooperation, and expanding cooperation in advanced industries, energy, and supply chains. The meeting was attended by François Jackow, chairman of MEDEF’s France–Korea Business Council, and around 30 business representatives from about 20 French companies, including Air Liquide, TotalEnergies, Veolia, and OPmobility. The participating companies came from a range of industries, including industrial gases, energy, environmental services, and auto parts. At the meeting, the French companies shared their views on investment projects in Korea, Korea’s policies to support foreign investment, the current state and future direction of the energy sector, and energy security, opening broader discussions on expanding bilateral industrial cooperation. Trade Minister Yeo said, “As the global economy is being reshaped by the energy transition and rapid technological change, cooperation between Korea and France in strategic industries such as semiconductors, eco-friendly vehicles, and low-carbon supply chains is essential.” He added, “Korea and France can strengthen their competitiveness in global markets by combining their technological strengths and industrial bases.” He noted that Korea would continue to improve the investment environment so that global companies can invest with confidence. Building on the meeting and the Korea-France summit scheduled for April 3, 2026, MOTIR will broaden engagement with French companies and continue working toward tangible outcomes in key areas such as the energy transition, advanced industries, and supply chain cooperation. date2026-04-02