Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Korea and China Hold Trade Ministers’ Meeting

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and Li Chenggang, Vice Minister of Commerce and International Trade Representative of China, held the Korea–China Trade Ministers’ Meeting on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at China’s Ministry of Commerce. At the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to accelerate the subsequent negotiations for services and investment under the Korea–China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and reviewed the status of the FTA’s implementation. To expedite the subsequent negotiations for services and investment, the two sides agreed to regularly convene in-person meetings from 2026 onward, aiming to narrow differences through focused discussions on outstanding issues. They also agreed to hold an additional Trade Ministers’ Meeting in the first half of next year, at which Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and Representative Li Chenggang will directly review progress in the negotiations and discuss outstanding issues. The discussions further addressed issues related to the implementation of the Korea–China FTA, including those concerning intellectual property rights, the petrochemical sector and government procurement issues. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation based on the FTA framework. Ahead of the Trade Ministers’ Meeting, Trade Minister Yeo met with Korean stakeholders with business operations in China on December 29, 2025, to review major business trends and hear firsthand about challenges faced by stakeholders on the ground. The Trade Minister and the Korean delegation categorized these concerns by sector, distinguishing between issues that can be addressed in the short term and those requiring mid- to long-term consultations, and exchanged views with stakeholders on future support measures. The Stakeholder concerns raised at the meeting were discussed at the Trade Ministers’ Meeting and will also continue to be addressed in the subsequent negotiations and at the Joint Committee and relevant Committees under the Korea-China FTA as FTA implementation issues. Going forward, MOTIR plans to maintain regular communication with stakeholders to ensure that on-the-ground perspectives are incorporated into policy discussions, while strengthening support to stabilize the business environment and enhance market access for Korean stakeholders in China. During the visit, Trade Minister Yeo held separate meetings with high-level officials (minister-level) from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC). The discussions covered changes in the global trade environment, the industrial impact of supply chain restructuring and technological innovation, as well as ways to strengthen Korea–China trade cooperation. The need to maintain sustained policy dialogue channels on shared challenges facing stakeholders in both countries, including environmental and digital transitions, evolving global rules, and enhancing the predictability of trade and investment cooperation was underscored during the meetings. Building on this shared understanding, MOTIR plans to gradually establish a practical foundation for cooperation by expanding policy research collaboration and strengthening industry-level communication. In addition, Trade Minister Yeo visited the Korea Innovation Center (KIC) in Zhongguancun to discuss ways to support Korean startups’ entry into the Chinese market. Trade Minister Yeo also visited GALBOT (Beijing Galaxy General Robot Co., Ltd.), an innovative Chinese robotics company, and met with a top executive to observe how robots are deployed in real production settings for quality control, process automation, and digital transformation. The discussions covered key use cases, on-site demand, potential areas for technological cooperation with Korean compan date2025-12-30

MOTIR Holds Public Hearing to Gather Stakeholder Input on Advancing the Korea–Egypt CEPA

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) convened a public hearing on Monday, December 22, at Conrad Seoul to gather stakeholder views on advancing the Korea–Egypt Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Building on the Trade and Economic Partnership MOU signed with Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade in 2022, MOTIR has jointly conducted a feasibility study to support advancing a Korea–Egypt CEPA. During the Korea–Egypt summit held in November, the two countries agreed to pursue a CEPA as an institutional framework to expand bilateral trade and investment, as well as to strengthen cooperation across diverse areas, including supply chains, the digital sector, and energy. The two sides have since accelerated related procedures, such as concluding the joint economic feasibility study. The public hearing brought together Korean companies operating in Egypt, the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and regional experts, who shared views on the expected effects of the Korea–Egypt CEPA and key considerations. One expert panel noted that “advancing a CEPA with Egypt—a key economy in North Africa and a logistics hub anchored by the Suez Canal—carries significant strategic importance, particularly in terms of expanding into emerging export markets amid rapidly shifting global trade conditions.” MOTIR will establish a negotiation roadmap for a Korea–Egypt CEPA by reflecting feedback gathered at the public hearing and will continue domestic and international consultations to facilitate the early launch of negotiations. date2025-12-22

Republic of Korea and Japan Strengthen Collaboration on Critical Mineral Supply Chains

The Republic of Korea and Japan are accelerating cooperation to stabilize sustainable supply chains between producer and consumer countries, amid growing instability in the global supply chain for critical minerals. In line with these efforts, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (hereinafter ‘MOTIR’) held the ‘2nd ROK-Japan Mineral Resources Cooperation Dialogue’ with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (hereinafter ‘METI') at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul on December 17. Korea and Japan have developed similar industrial frameworks that are focused on advanced manufacturing sectors, such as semiconductors, batteries, and materials and components. Both countries are significant consumers of critical minerals and, as such, rely substantially on imports to fulfill their domestic requirements. In light of the recent segmentation of critical mineral supply chains—particularly between the United States and China—and the enhanced collaboration among producing countries, there is growing recognition of the importance of fostering international cooperation that reflects the perspectives and interests of consuming countries. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, both countries have recognized the importance of securing global critical mineral supply chains as a pivotal area for collaboration. In this spirit, they convened the inaugural ROK-Japan Mineral Resources Cooperation Dialogue in February of this year, reaffirming their commitment to joint efforts in this essential sector. At that time, the two countries discussed comprehensive cooperation measures, including △joint procurement of critical minerals and △stockpiling cooperation, and agreed to hold this dialogue regularly. Since then, both countries have jointly responded to policy uncertainties by continuing engagements including bilateral meetings on the sidelines of multilateral conferences. This second meeting was arranged as a follow-up to review the outcomes of cooperation over the past year and to deepen collaboration further. At this meeting, the two countries focused on discussing: △ Responding to low copper TC/RC situation, △ Strengthening cooperation within multilateral consultative bodies such as the G7 and the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), and △ Exploring ways to initiate joint critical mineral development and production projects in third country destinations. A particularly noteworthy aspect of the discussion was the recent rise in copper prices alongside the prevailing instability in the supply of copper concentrate. Both countries underscored the importance of strengthening their collaboration and establishing tangible measures to stabilize global copper supply while promoting sustainable co-prosperity between mining operations and smelters. MOTIR stands ready to facilitate ROK-Japan joint projects, particularly in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, where Korean companies can either expand their engagement or enter into new projects. MOTIR aims further to enhance cooperation with Japan and other like-minded countries to establish a more stable supply chain for critical minerals. It will also actively pursue collaborative models that allow both producing and consuming countries to thrive together in the global critical minerals market. date2025-12-18

Korea and the EU Launch Efforts to Operationalize Supply Chain and Economic Security Partnership

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), met with Denis Redonnet, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, in Seoul on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. As the EU’s top trade enforcement official, Deputy Director-General Redonnet oversees key trade agendas, including free trade agreements, trade remedies, and economic security. The meeting followed the December 2, 2025 talks between Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič. It focused on implementing the Korea–EU Next Generation Strategic Dialogue agreed during those talks, as well as strengthening cooperation on economic security, supply chains, and technology. Deputy Minister Park noted that growing protectionism, intensifying technological competition, and disruptions in global supply chains are increasing uncertainty in the global economy. He stated that economic security alliances and strategic coordination among like-minded countries are emerging as key drivers of competitiveness. While underscoring that Korea and the EU have built their partnership on free trade, he emphasized the need to further strengthen cooperation to develop the bilateral partnership into a future-oriented one encompassing economic security and advanced industries. Against this backdrop, the two sides welcomed the elevation of the ministerial-level Korea–EU FTA Trade Committee, which previously focused on goods and services, into the Next Generation Strategic Dialogue on Trade, Supply Chains, and Technology, as agreed during the trade ministers’ meeting on December 2, 2025. They shared the view that this dialogue framework would enable more comprehensive and higher-level cooperation and agreed to work closely toward holding its first meeting in the first half of 2026. The Korean side also conveyed the concerns and requests of Korean companies regarding key industrial issues, including steel, nuclear power, and batteries, and called for the EU’s active cooperation. On steel, Korea expressed concerns over the EU’s plan to introduce new steel import measures and emphasized the need to secure sufficient export allocation for Korean steel products. Regarding the EU’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) investigation related to the Czech nuclear power project, the Korean side emphasized that Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power was selected through a transparent and fair bidding process in compliance with EU rules and reaffirmed that no subsidies inconsistent with market principles were provided, requesting that the investigation be conducted fairly and reasonably. On batteries, Korea requested that the EU support expanding demand for EV and ESS batteries produced within the EU, consider including the battery industry in the Energy Intensive Industry sector, and advance the delayed follow-up legislation under the Battery Regulation promptly and predictably. The Korean side also welcomed the European Commission’s efforts to simplify the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and noted that recent revisions reflected Korea’s concerns, including the partial easing of certification requirements and the introduction of exemption criteria for SMEs. It called for continued bilateral communication to ensure that the mechanism becomes more reasonable and predictable. Following the meeting, the two sides agreed to establish a standing communication channel on key trade issues to ensure that the Korea–EU Next Generation Strategic Dialogue delivers tangible outcomes.. date2025-12-18

Meeting with Norway’s State Secretary for Trade, Industry and Fisheries

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim), met with Ragnhild Sjoner Syrstad, State Secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, at Lotte Hotel in Seoul on Tuesday, December 16, to discuss ways to strengthen substantive bilateral cooperation between Korea and Norway in response to recent changes in the global trade environment.   Deputy Minister Park noted that bilateral trade has expanded both in scale and in quality since the entry into force of the FTA and emphasized that practical cooperation between Korea and Norway is advancing in the shipbuilding sector, particularly in autonomous navigation and AI-based future ship technologies. He added that Korea hopes to further expand bilateral cooperation into advanced industries, including the green transition and critical supply chains. date2025-12-18

Signing Ceremony for the Conclusion of the Korea–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Upgrade Negotiations

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim) and Sir Chris Bryant, Minister of State at the United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade, met in London on Monday, December 15, and signed a joint declaration confirming the conclusion of the Korea–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) upgrade negotiations.   Trade Minister Yeo emphasized that “the upgraded Korea–UK FTA will strengthen the free-market system in a trade environment with heightened uncertainty,” noting that it would provide an opportunity to enhance economic cooperation ties with the UK, a key partner in Europe. Sir Chris Bryant remarked that the agreement would boost the UK’s world-class services sector and support iconic brands, helping to accelerate economic growth. date2025-12-18

Korea and the UK Conclude Upgrade Negotiations for the Korea–UK Free Trade Agreement

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and Sir Chris Bryant, Minister of State at the United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade, met in London on Monday, December 15, 2025, and signed a joint declaration confirming the conclusion of the Korea–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) upgrade negotiations. Key Developments Following the UK’s decision to withdraw from the European Union (Brexit), Korea and the UK concluded the Korea–UK FTA in 2021 on terms identical to the Korea–EU FTA, which entered into force in 2011, to ensure continuity in trade and investment and to maintain a stable and predictable business environment. In line with a provision of the original agreement calling for follow-up negotiations within two years of its entry into force, both sides have held six rounds of upgrade negotiations and five rounds of trade ministers’ meetings, along with multiple intersessional meetings, since January 2024. At a bilateral meeting held on the margins of the G7 Summit in Canada in June 2025, the leaders of Korea and the UK agreed to accelerate talks to conclude the FTA upgrade negotiations within the year. After outstanding issues were resolved through additional discussions on services and investment held this month, the two sides formally declared the negotiations concluded at the trade ministers’ meeting in London. Significance and Assessment of the Korea–UK FTA The UK is the world’s sixth-largest economy and Europe’s second-largest by nominal GDP. It is also a global hub for finance and investment, accounting for the largest shares of international bank lending and foreign exchange transactions worldwide. However, bilateral trade volumes and Korea’s exports to the UK rank only around 20th globally, underscoring the need to enhance market access through the upgrade negotiations. The revised Korea–UK FTA is expected to expand bilateral trade by easing the stringent rules of origin for Korea’s key export products and by further opening the UK’s high-speed rail procurement market and major service sectors. It also reflects a broad range of new trade rules aimed at expanding exchanges and cooperation across diverse areas. Trade Minister Yeo emphasized that “the conclusion of the Korea–UK FTA upgrade negotiations will consolidate the free-market order amid growing uncertainty in the trade environment and strengthen economic cooperation with the UK, a key partner in Europe.” He further noted that “the upgraded Korea–UK FTA includes extensive cooperation norms, such as market liberalization, digital trade, and cooperation on supply chain stabilization, to strengthen the Korea–UK trading relationship.” Minister Bryant remarked, “Korean culture has taken off in the UK, with millions of Brits already binge-watching great Korean TV and streaming K-pop artists. Today’s agreement boosts the UK’s world-class services sector and supports iconic brands to speed up our economic growth.” Next Steps Following the declaration of the conclusion of the negotiations, the government will promptly complete the procedures required for formal signature, including legal review and Korean-language translation of the agreement text. After the formal signature, it will proceed with steps necessary for the agreement’s entry into force, including an economic impact assessment and securing the National Assembly’s consent to ratification. date2025-12-17

Korea and Norway Discuss Ways to Build a Practical Partnership Amid Changes in the Global Trade Environment

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), met with Ragnhild Sjoner Syrstad, State Secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, at Lotte Hotel in Seoul on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, to discuss ways to strengthen substantive bilateral cooperation between Korea and Norway in response to recent changes in the global trade environment. Both sides recognized that rising protectionism and the weakening of the World Trade Organization (WTO) system have increased global trade uncertainty and underscored the importance of closer cooperation between Korea and Norway to stabilize supply chains and enhance industrial competitiveness. They agreed to continue discussions on building a practical partnership to deliver tangible outcomes. The two sides welcomed the resumption of the Korea–Norway Economic Cooperation Committee (KNECC), a private-sector consultative body inactive since 2016, noting that its revival after a decade strengthens the foundation for business-to-business exchanges and the development of joint projects. They agreed to expand government-level support and to pursue more concrete cooperation models and project-based MOUs based on corporate demand. Deputy Minister Park stated, “Building on the complementary industrial structures of Korea and Norway, bilateral trade has expanded in both scale and quality since the FTA’s entry into force.” He noted that “practical cooperation is already advancing in the shipbuilding sector, particularly in areas such as autonomous navigation and AI-based future ship technologies,” emphasizing that “combining Korea’s strengths in manufacturing and ICT with Norway’s maritime and energy technologies could create substantial added value.” He added that “Korea hopes to further expand bilateral cooperation into advanced industries, including the green transition and critical supply chains." date2025-12-17

2025 Korea–Africa Trade and Industry Cooperation Forum

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), attended the “2025 Korea–Africa Trade and Industry Cooperation Forum” held on Monday, December 15, at Koreana Hotel in Seoul.   The forum brought together around 100 participants, including Kim Young-chae, President of the Korea–Africa Foundation; Chafik Rachadi, Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea (AGA) and Ambassador of Morocco to Korea; ambassadors from 12 African countries; and representatives from industry.   Deputy Minister Park emphasized that “cooperation between Korea and Africa is a wise choice that can turn crises into opportunities and enable shared growth amid challenges in the global trade environment.” He added that “the government will actively pursue trade agreements with African countries while deepening cooperation in critical minerals and manufacturing supply chains, and also expand infrastructure cooperation in line with local demand in Africa.” date2025-12-16

Korea and African Countries Discuss Ways to Expand Trade and Industry Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the “2025 Korea–Africa Trade and Industry Cooperation Forum” on Monday, December 15, 2025, in Seoul. Approximately 100 participants attended the forum, including Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade; Kim Young-chae, President of the Korea–Africa Foundation (KAF); Chafik Rachadi, Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea (AGA) and Ambassador of Morocco to Korea; ambassadors from 12 African countries; and representatives from industry and academia. The forum reviewed the outcomes of economic cooperation with Africa—an emerging hub for production, logistics, and resource supply chains, supported by its young population and abundant resources. Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global trade environment marked by growing protectionism and supply chain restructuring, participants discussed ways to strengthen momentum for future collaboration. They also assessed the results of a series of economic cooperation events held by MOTIR and KOTRA across major African countries in November 2025, in connection with the first-ever G20 Summit hosted on the African continent, and discussed ways to advance concrete cooperation measures. In his welcome remarks, Deputy Minister Park emphasized that “cooperation between Korea and Africa is a wise choice that can turn crises into opportunities and promote shared growth amid challenges in the global trade environment.” He added that “the government will actively pursue trade agreements with African countries, strengthen cooperation in critical minerals and manufacturing supply chains, and expand infrastructure partnerships in line with local demand in Africa.” At the forum, MOTIR presented Ministerial Commendations to two individuals in recognition of their contributions to trade cooperation with the Middle East and Africa: Kang Munsu, Associate Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), and Lee So-won, Team Leader at the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI). date2025-12-15