Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Deputy Minister for Trade Meets with Italy’s Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), met with Maria Tripodi, Italy’s Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at the Seoul Government Complex on February 11, 2026. The two sides discussed follow-up measures to translate the outcomes of the Korea–Italy summit held on January 19, 2026, into tangible results for bilateral cooperation. Deputy Minister Park said the meeting “marked an important step toward implementing the outcomes of Italy’s first presidential visit to Korea in 19 years,” adding that the Italian government had indicated it would review its newly introduced tax credit scheme to ensure that partner countries, including Korea, are not excluded. date2026-02-12

Korea–Netherlands 2+2 Foreign and Industry High-Level Dialogue

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) attended the Korea–Netherlands 2+2 Foreign and Industry High-Level Dialogue held at 12:00 p.m. on February 11, 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul.  The meeting brought together Foreign Minister Cho Hyun; David van Weel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; and Aukje de Vries, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, along with government delegations from both countries. Following opening remarks, the ministers discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in economic security, AI, cyber and emerging technologies, the semiconductor industry, and critical raw materials. date2026-02-12

MOTIR and AMCHAM Discuss Cooperation to Maintain a Stable Korea–U.S. Trade Environment

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) met with representatives of member companies of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM Korea), including U.S.-invested companies, on February 12, 2026, to discuss the Korean government’s approach to maintaining a stable Korea–U.S. trade relationship and strengthening bilateral cooperation. Held at AMCHAM Korea’s invitation, the meeting featured a Q&A session between Trade Minister Yeo and James Kim, Chairman & CEO of AMCHAM Korea. In his opening remarks, Trade Minister Yeo thanked U.S. companies for their continued investment, noting that U.S. investment in Korea reached a record high in 2025. He stated, “The Korean government will faithfully implement the Korea–U.S. tariff agreement and share key updates with the U.S. government and businesses to maintain a stable bilateral trade environment and strengthen economic cooperation.” Chairman Kim said, “AMCHAM fully supports the Korean government’s efforts and will continue to coordinate closely with the government so that companies in both countries can operate in a stable and future-oriented environment.” In the Q&A session, the discussion focused on the Korean government’s policy direction in response to recent changes in the trade environment, efforts to strengthen Korea–U.S. investment cooperation, and measures to improve the foreign direct investment climate. The Korean government reiterated its commitment to gather views from foreign-invested companies and other stakeholders throughout the rollout of related policies. In 2026, MOTIR will continue to foster a predictable investment environment for foreign investors and maintain close communication with the United States to ensure stable Korea–U.S. trade relations. date2026-02-12

Korea and Italy Discuss Measures to Improve Trade Conditions and Expand Cooperation in Advanced Industries

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), met with Maria Tripodi, Italy’s Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on February 11, 2026, at the Seoul Government Complex to discuss follow-up measures to implement the outcomes of the Korea–Italy summit held on January 19, 2026. The two sides shared the view that a sustainable business platform is needed to deepen collaboration between the private sectors, along with improved investment conditions to facilitate market entry. They also exchanged views on priority areas and timelines for stepping up cooperation in advanced industries, including semiconductors and AI. They discussed cooperation to jointly engage in third countries, including Africa, to strengthen critical mineral supply chains. The two sides agreed to keep communication channels open and to regularly review progress in implementing the summit outcomes, further solidifying their strategic partnership in trade and industry. Deputy Minister Park noted that “the meeting marked an important step toward implementing the outcomes of Italy’s first visit by an Italian prime minister to Korea in 19 years.” He added that “the Italian government has indicated that it will review its newly introduced tax credit scheme to ensure that partner countries, including Korea, are not excluded,” expressing his hope that the matter would be resolved promptly. He also asked for Italy’s active cooperation to ease uncertainty for Korean companies entering the Italian market and to help joint initiatives on future industries highlighted at the summit deliver tangible results. date2026-02-11

Korea and the Netherlands Discuss Ways to Strengthen Cooperation in Economic Security, AI, and Semiconductors

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources held the first Korea–Netherlands 2+2 Foreign and Industry High-Level Dialogue on February 11 (Wed.) at 12:00 p.m. at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs David van Weel and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Aukje de Vries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.   As the first meeting convening the foreign and industry authorities of the two countries, which are bound by a Strategic Partnership, the dialogue represents a significant step in addressing political, economic, and industrial issues from a comprehensive and integrated perspective amid the evolving international environment marked by global supply chain restructuring and intensifying technological competition.   During the meeting, the participating ministers exchanged views on the changing global geoeconomic environment and growing spread of protectionism, and discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in key areas including economic security, AI, cyber and emerging technologies, the semiconductor industry, and critical raw materials.   The two countries adopted a joint statement reflecting the outcomes of the discussions and will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation in response to changes in the global economic security environment. date2026-02-11

Korea to Discuss Key Bilateral and Multilateral Trade Issues with the EU, Including the Steel TRQ and WTO MC14

Director General for Trade Negotiations Kwon Hye-jin of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) will visit Strasbourg, France, and Brussels, Belgium, from February 9 to 12, 2026, to discuss key Korea–EU trade issues—including the EU’s steel import restrictions—with officials from the European Parliament and the European Commission. She will also attend the EU-hosted high-level meeting on WTO reform on February 11, 2026, to discuss the reform agenda and next steps. The visit follows the EU’s October 2025 announcement of a steel tariff-rate quota (TRQ) measure, which is expected to take effect in the second half of 2026. Director General Kwon will share concerns raised by Korean industry with the European Parliament and the European Commission and explore possible paths toward a mutually acceptable resolution. She will call on the EU to pursue its steel TRQ measure in a manner consistent with international rules and ask the European side to help ensure that the measure does not cause unreasonable disruptions to Korean steel exports, in light of the two sides’ close FTA partnership and their cooperation on shared challenges such as global steel overcapacity. In addition to these meetings, Director General Kwon will attend the EU-hosted high-level meeting on WTO reform in Brussels, ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) scheduled for March 26–29, 2026, in Cameroon. She will exchange views with major economies—including the EU, Japan, and the United Kingdom—on the direction of the reform and the work plan. Through her participation, Korea will join broader international efforts to restore and revitalize the WTO-centered multilateral trading system. Building on this outreach, MOTIR will continue to convey Korea’s position on the EU steel TRQ to the European Parliament and the European Commission through multiple avenues of engagement and act proactively to minimize potential impacts on Korean industry. At the multilateral level, the ministry will coordinate closely with major economies to foster a predictable, WTO-centered trade and investment environment amid growing protectionism. date2026-02-09

Minister JK Kim Meets U.S. Energy Secretary

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on January 29, 2026, at the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C., to discuss cooperation in the energy and resources sectors. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to establish a working-level consultation channel to expedite discussions on bilateral cooperation in energy and resources. date2026-02-03

Minister JK Kim Meets U.S. Commerce Secretary

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on January 29, 2026, at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., to discuss key trade issues, including tariffs. During the meeting, Minister Kim emphasized Korea’s commitment to swift, smooth implementation of the Korea–U.S. tariff agreement and outlined steps toward prompt enactment of the Special Act for Korea–U.S. Strategic Investment Management. The two sides also agreed that U.S.-bound investment projects under the Special Act should deliver mutual benefits for industries in both countries. date2026-02-03

Minister of MOTIR Calls for Swift and Smooth Implementation of Korea–U.S. Tariff Agreement

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in Washington, D.C., on January 30 and 31, 2026, for in-depth talks on key trade issues, including the United States’ recently announced plans to raise tariffs. During the meetings, Minister Kim underscored Korea’s commitment to implement the Korea–U.S. tariff agreement smoothly and without interruption. He explained that the government will work closely with the National Assembly to swiftly enact the Special Act for Korea–U.S. Strategic Investment Management through proper legislative procedures. The two sides shared the view that U.S.-bound investment projects under the Special Act should be mutually beneficial to industries in both countries. Minister Kim also met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and the two sides agreed to establish a working-level consultation channel in the energy and resources sectors to expedite discussions on bilateral cooperation. Minister Kim stated that “while the talks provided an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding of the U.S. intent behind the planned tariff increase and find middle ground, additional discussions with the U.S. side are still needed.” He added that “the government will fully implement the Korea–U.S. tariff agreement to minimize trade uncertainties for Korean companies operating in the U.S. market." date2026-02-02

MOTIR Minister Heads to Washington, D.C. for Tariff Talks

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) will visit Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2026, after his trip to Canada, to discuss bilateral trade issues, including President Trump’s recent tariff announcement. On January 27, 2026 (KST), President Trump announced on social media that the United States would raise reciprocal tariffs applied to Korea and product-specific tariffs on automobiles, timber, and pharmaceuticals from 15 percent to 25 percent. During his visit, Minister Kim plans to meet with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and other officials to confirm the rationale behind the announced measures, explain Korea’s efforts to date, and urge an amicable resolution of the issue. Minister Kim will also meet with the U.S. Secretary of Energy and other counterparts to discuss cooperation in energy and resources. “We will work with the U.S. to address outstanding trade issues and continue mutually beneficial cooperation, in close coordination with Korean industry and relevant ministries,” Minister Kim said. date2026-01-29