Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

2nd Korea–Germany Industrial Data Space Forum

Kang Kam-chan, Director General for Industrial Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, attended the 2nd Korea–Germany Industrial Data Space Forum held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Nine Tree Premier ROKAUS Hotel in Yongsan, Seoul. Co-hosted by MOTIR and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the forum brought together around 100 experts from industry, academia, and research, including representatives from the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation, and AI solution companies. Director General Kang delivered opening remarks and discussed strategies to strengthen industrial data cooperation between Korea and Germany, sharing successful cases of collaboration. date2025-10-24

Korea and Germany Advance Industrial Data Cooperation to Accelerate Manufacturing AX

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that it co-hosted the 2nd Korea–Germany Industrial Data Space Forum on Thursday, October 23, at the Nine Tree Premier ROKAUS Hotel in Yongsan, Seoul, together with Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWE). The event brought together around 100 experts from industry, academia, and research, including representatives from the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation (KICOX), and AI solution companies. Overview of the 2nd Korea–Germany Industrial Data Space Forum Date/Venue: October 23, 2025 (Thu), 09:15 / Nine Tree Premier ROKAUS Hotel, Yongsan, Seoul Host/Organizer: MOTIR / KIAT Key Participants: [Korea] MOTIR (including the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards), KIAT, KICOX; [Germany] BMWE, Embassy of Germany in Korea, and organizations related to Manufacturing-X Main Agenda: Sharing of Korea–Germany industrial data utilization cases, policy cooperation discussions among MOTIR, KIAT, and KICOX, and consultations on the Korean Manufacturing-X initiative. Following the first forum held in October 2024, this year’s event was organized to discuss bilateral cooperation strategies and share best practices as the Korean government plans to include the “Industrial Data Space Standard Model Project” in the 2026 national budget. To drive manufacturing digital transformation (AX) by integrating AI across manufacturing processes and the entire upstream and downstream value chains, collecting and utilizing reliable industrial data is crucial. Reflecting this need, MOTIR signed an MOU with ten major industry associations at the 1st Industrial AI EXPO on September 3 to establish a voluntary data-sharing framework among companies. At the forum, participants discussed strategies for building industrial data spaces tailored to Korea’s industrial environment to enable manufacturing data sharing across key sectors. They also explored standardization and interoperability between Korean and German data spaces. Korean companies presented their technologies and pilot cases in industrial data space development, while the German side introduced the progress and best practices of Catena-X, the automotive industry’s leading data space initiative. Kang Kam-chan, Director General for Industrial Policy at MOTIR, stated, “If Korea can leverage Germany’s experience and expertise gained from successfully implementing Catena-X to build an industrial data ecosystem suited to our industries, it will greatly benefit Korean manufacturers. We will continue regular cooperation with Germany, a global leader in industrial data spaces, to jointly build a global industrial data ecosystem through strong public–private collaboration.”   date2025-10-23

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

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Members to Review Supply Chain Cooperation

The Crisis Response Network (CRN) will conduct a joint tabletop exercise in Korea to enhance regional response capacity to supply chain disruptions in the Indo-Pacific region. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that Korea, as chair of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) CRN, will host the 4th IPEF CRN Regular Meeting and a crisis response tabletop exercise at the Lotte Hotel Seoul on Wednesday, October 22. The exercise marks the third joint drill since the CRN’s launch in 2024, which serves as the implementing body of the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement. It aims to establish a systematic framework for supply chain crisis response, focusing on assessing the effectiveness of member coordination and strengthening collective response capacity. The scenario involves a sudden shutdown in the refining and processing operations of a critical mineral–producing country, triggering shortages and price spikes across IPEF member economies. Participating countries will practice a series of real-time response procedures, including sharing supply chain updates, assessing crisis escalation levels, coordinating joint responses, convening a ministerial meeting, and adopting a joint statement outlining policy cooperation. This exercise features more detailed procedures than previous drills, including response measures by crisis level, bilateral consultations among countries with shared interests, and escalation to a ministerial-level meeting. In parallel with the exercise, Korea and Australia will share updates on the progress and future plans of their joint IPEF supply chain capacity-building program. The program, targeting seven member countries, aims to enhance regional supply chain resilience by providing tailored training on supply chain management, crisis response manuals, and policy development capabilities. As the central coordination mechanism for supply chain cooperation under the IPEF, the CRN serves as the control tower for rapid information-sharing, policy coordination, and collective action during disruptions. Korea, elected as the CRN’s inaugural chair in July 2024 following the signing of the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement in 2023, continues to play a leading role in strengthening supply chain crisis response. Lee Jaekeun, Director General for New Trade Strategy and Policy at MOTIR, stated, “Critical minerals are essential to achieving carbon neutrality and sustaining the competitiveness of advanced industries, making supply chain stability more crucial than ever. This exercise goes beyond a simple simulation, serving as practical training to replicate real-world policy decision-making and response procedures.” He added, “At a time of heightened concerns over critical mineral supply chains, this exercise reaffirms the Indo-Pacific countries’ strong commitment to active supply chain cooperation.” date2025-10-22

Korea and Montana Discuss Stronger Economic Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and his economic delegation in Seoul on Monday, October 20, to discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation between Korea and the United States. The delegation included the First Lady of Montana, the CEO of Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC), the CEO of Montana Renewables, and the Director of the Office of Trade and International Relations at the Montana Department of Commerce, along with representatives from Montana-based companies and state government officials. Minister Yeo and Governor Gianforte noted that Korea and Montana have developed a close, mutually beneficial relationship through active trade in LNG, crude oil, and other energy sectors. They agreed to expand cooperation in energy, critical minerals, manufacturing, and industrial supply chains by leveraging Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and Montana’s abundant natural resources to strengthen energy security and diversify supply chains. Minister Yeo also raised visa issuance challenges, emphasizing that creating a stable investment environment and ensuring smooth visa processing for Korean companies is critical to prevent a recurrence of issues like the one in Georgia. He requested Governor Gianforte’s attention and support in establishing a lasting solution to this matter. In addition, Minister Yeo shared that Korea and the United States are pursuing constructive and mutually beneficial approaches in ongoing tariff negotiations and called for active support and engagement from the Montana state government in this process.   date2025-10-21

Korea’s Auto Industry Continues Growth Streak in September

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced on October 20 that Korea’s automobile exports, domestic sales, and production all increased year-on-year in September, marking the third consecutive month of growth. This was partly due to more working days compared to last year, when the Chuseok holiday fell in September. Automobile exports rose 16.8 percent year-on-year to USD 6.4 billion, the highest September level on record, with cumulative exports for January–September also reaching an all-time high of $54.1 billion. Eco-friendly vehicle exports surpassed 90,000 units for the first time, with electric vehicle (EV) exports increasing 38.9 percent and maintaining growth for the fourth consecutive month. Cumulative EV exports for January–September also turned positive for the first time this year, up 0.2 percent year-on-year. Domestic automobile sales grew 20.8 percent to 158,000 units, the highest monthly total since November 2023. EV sales jumped 135 percent to a record 29,000 units, pushing cumulative EV sales for January–September to 170,000 units, up 57.5 percent year-on-year and surpassing the previous annual record for domestic EV sales. Automobile production increased 8.9 percent to 334,000 units, bringing cumulative production for the first nine months to over 3 million vehicles.   date2025-10-21

Boom-Up Korea Week 2025 Opening Ceremony

Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources attended the Boom-Up Korea Week 2025 Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, October 21, at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.  The event was joined by KOTRA President and CEO Kang Kyung Sung, officials from related organizations, and representatives from about 4,000 promising export companies in the materials, parts, and equipment (MPE), ICT, services, and consumer goods sectors.  Minister Yeo participated in the opening performance of the event and toured the Boom-Up Week theme hall, corporate exhibition hall, and consultation hall showcasing Korea’s key export industries.   date2025-10-21

Korea to Expand Cooperation with Guangdong, China’s Largest Regional Economy

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that Deputy Minister for Trade Park Jong-won will visit Guangdong Province, China, from October 20 to 21 to attend the 10th Korea–Guangdong Development Forum and hold bilateral talks with Zhang Guozhi, Deputy Governor of Guangdong Province, to strengthen economic and industrial cooperation with China’s largest provincial economy. Guangdong ranks first among China’s 31 provinces and municipalities in both gross regional domestic product (GRDP) and foreign trade volume. Last year, Korea–Guangdong trade totaled about USD 57.6 billion, exceeding Korea’s trade with its sixth-largest partner, Australia (USD 45.6 billion), and accounting for 18 percent of total Korea–China trade, the second-largest share after Jiangsu Province. About 1,600 Korean companies, including Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen fuel cell plant and LG Display’s OLED plant, currently operate in the province. The Korea–Guangdong Development Forum, now in its 10th year, is the first high-level cooperation platform between the Korean and Chinese local governments. This year’s forum will bring together officials from both governments, business associations, and companies to share investment policies and discuss cooperation in emerging industries such as hydrogen, AI, and biotech, as well as strategies for Korean companies to expand into China’s domestic market. In his congratulatory remarks, Deputy Minister Park will emphasize that amid global trade uncertainty and the diversification of Korea–China industrial relations, strengthening cooperation with Chinese provincial governments is vital to creating new business opportunities. He will propose deeper collaboration with Guangdong, China’s hub for advanced industries, in hydrogen, AI, and biotech, to promote mutual growth through expanded trade and investment. Deputy Minister Park will also meet with Deputy Governor Zhang Guozhi to discuss support for Korean companies operating in Guangdong, as well as ways to enhance supply chain stability and cooperation in new industries. He will express appreciation for Guangdong’s assistance in maintaining stable trade relations despite the recent strengthening of export controls and emphasize the importance of continuing such collaboration. MOTIR stated that it will continue to strengthen partnerships with major Chinese provincial governments to promote practical cooperation that supports Korean companies’ business activities in China.   date2025-10-20

Korea Leads Development of International Standards for Eco-Friendly and Autonomous Offshore Plants

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced that Korea will propose four new international standards reflecting next-generation offshore plant technologies at the ISO Technical Committee 67 (Oil and Gas Industries Including Lower Carbon Energy) General Assembly, to be held in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, from October 20 to 24. This marks the first time since its founding in 1947 that ISO TC 67 will hold its General Assembly in Korea. About 100 experts from 16 member countries are expected to attend to discuss international standards for the oil, gas, and renewable energy plant sectors. At the meeting, Korean companies including Samsung Heavy Industries will lead efforts to standardize key technologies that support unmanned operation and eco-friendliness in offshore plants. Korea will propose standards on “Safety Signage and Emergency Escape Route Requirements” for unmanned offshore plants and “Aerogel Insulation Installation Guidelines” for efficient operation of ammonia and hydrogen pipelines in renewable energy plants. Additional proposals include standardizing material specifications for piping and structural bolts and nuts suitable for marine environments to enhance structural safety, and establishing performance and testing standards for coating materials used in offshore plants to improve corrosion resistance and long-term durability. The event will also include a technical seminar highlighting Korea’s latest offshore plant technologies and a site tour of Samsung Heavy Industries’ shipyard and offshore production facilities, giving international experts an opportunity to experience Korea’s technological leadership firsthand. KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “This ISO TC 67 General Assembly marks a significant opportunity for Korea to lead international standardization in the offshore plant sector. We will expand cooperation on next-generation technologies such as autonomous plants and renewable offshore energy while supporting Korean companies’ global market entry.”   date2025-10-20

MOTIR Explores Investment Cooperation with Japanese Advanced Materials, Parts, and Equipment Companies

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan), together with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA, President and CEO Kang Kyung-sung), hosted the Korea–Japan Investment Forum on Friday, October 17, at The Okura Tokyo. The forum aimed to attract investment from Japan’s advanced materials, parts, and equipment companies into Korea. This event marked MOTIR’s second major overseas investment promotion this year, following the Korea–France Investment Forum in September. The event brought together approximately 150 participants, including executives from leading Japanese high-tech companies such as Tokyo Electron (TEL), Mitsui Chemicals, and Tokyo Ohka Kogyo (TOK). Participants discussed Korea’s advanced industry trends, foreign investment environment, and opportunities for Korea–Japan technological collaboration, while also sharing success stories and exploring future investment partnerships. In particular, global semiconductor equipment maker TEL drew strong attention by presenting its successful investment experience in Korea. Since entering the Korean market in 2006, TEL has focused on semiconductor equipment supply and R&D, maintaining close collaboration with Korea’s major semiconductor anchor companies. In his opening remarks, MOTIR’s Director General for Investment Policy Yoo Beop-min emphasized, “By combining Japan’s technological strength in materials, parts, and equipment with Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, the two countries can jointly achieve supply chain stability and innovation in high-tech industries.” He added, “The Korean government will further strengthen cash grants and other incentives for foreign investors contributing to supply chain resilience, technological advancement, and job creation, while working to remove regulatory barriers to make Korea one of the most business-friendly countries in the world.”   date2025-10-17