Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

M.AX to Reshape the Global Battery Market

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) visited LG Energy Solution’s smart autonomous manufacturing facility on May 26, 2026, to review Korea’s battery manufacturing competitiveness and discuss ways to strengthen public-private cooperation. Manufacturing has long been a key growth engine for Korea’s economy and helped the country develop into an advanced economy. However, the sector’s growth has recently stalled as the working-age population shrinks and the potential growth rate falls, making innovation urgent. MOTIR therefore sees M.AX as the only solution for securing a super-gap advantage in manufacturing. In September 2025, the ministry launched the M.AX Alliance to bring together manufacturers, AI companies, relevant ministries, academia, and research institutions. The Alliance now serves as a cooperation platform for more than 1,500 companies and institutions across 11 divisions, including factory, robotics, and semiconductors. In 2026, MOTIR is investing about KRW 1.8 trillion, including about KRW 1.3 trillion in government funding, in projects that help companies apply AI to processes and products, reduce work time, and improve quality. LG Energy Solution participates in the robotics division of the M.AX Alliance and is a user company in the AI factory flagship project, which supports AI transformation in processes such as quality control and predictive maintenance. An AI factory connects an AI “brain” to factory operations to support human decision-making. Under this model, manufacturers and AI specialists work as one team to collect manufacturing data, develop AI models, and apply them to production processes. The visit came as competition in the global battery market is shifting beyond volume growth toward data-driven productivity innovation. MOTIR arranged the visit to share what Korean battery companies have achieved through M.AX and explore concrete ways to scale it across industry. LG Energy Solution’s Energy Plant, a cylindrical battery manufacturing facility that won the grand prize at the 2026 LG Awards, is using digital twin technology to recreate the actual factory in a virtual space and significantly reduce trial and error in production. LG Energy Solution said the technology has increased the production speed of new equipment by more than 50 percent and cut both investment costs and line area to about half of previous levels. The company added that the flexibility to produce batteries of different specifications on a single piece of equipment will help strengthen its ability to win orders in global markets. “M.AX is now essential to survival and a critical tool for Korea’s battery industry to maintain a super-gap lead in the global market,” said Deputy Minister for Industry and Growth Kim Sung-yeol. “The government will spare no effort to provide policy support that accelerates private-sector innovation, including efforts to establish AI governance frameworks and promote the adoption of enterprise AI platforms.” date2026-05-26

MOTIR Hosts IPEF Meeting on Supply Chain Responses and Cooperation Over Middle East Conflict

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the fifth regular meeting of the Supply Chain Crisis Response Network (CRN) under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) by videoconference on May 26, 2026. Established in 2024 under the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement, the CRN brings member countries together to discuss coordinated responses to supply chain crises, with Korea serving as its first chair. Nine members, including Australia, Japan and Singapore, attended the meeting to review recent supply chain issues and discuss future cooperation. At the meeting, members focused on supply chain disruptions linked to recent instability in the Middle East, including disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. With the effects extending beyond crude oil and LNG to petrochemical feedstocks such as naphtha, fertilizers such as urea, and helium, members shared the varying impacts on their supply chains and their policies to stabilize prices and supplies. As Korea’s term as chair nears its end, members also discussed the selection process for the next chair and ways to improve the CRN’s operating framework. With uncertainty growing across global supply chains, they agreed to strengthen coordination by diversifying supply sources and transport routes and expanding information sharing among IPEF members. The meeting served as an opportunity for members to share their experiences in responding to supply chain risks linked to the Middle East conflict and reinforced the basis for cooperation. MOTIR will continue working through the CRN and other channels to support timely information sharing and coordinated policy responses to supply chain crises. date2026-05-26

Korea and India Resume CEPA Upgrade Talks Following April Summit Announcement

The Office of the Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Korea and India will hold negotiations in New Delhi from May 25 to 27, 2026, to upgrade the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The talks will be the first formal round since the two countries agreed at their April 2026 summit to resume the upgrade negotiations. After the CEPA took effect in 2010, Korea and India launched upgrade negotiations in 2016 to update the agreement in line with changes in the trade environment and build closer economic ties. The talks, however, had been effectively suspended since 2022, as they were unable to narrow their differences on major issues. Following consultations earlier in 2026, Korea and India issued a joint statement in April setting out their agreement to resume the negotiations. Around 60 delegates from the two countries will take part in the talks. Korea’s delegation will be led by Park Keunoh, Director General for Trade Agreement Policy at MOTIR, and India’s by Kapil Chaudhary, Joint Secretary for Foreign Trade (North East Asia) at the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. During the 12th round of upgrade negotiations, the two sides will hold intensive discussions across seven areas, including goods, services, rules of origin and emerging trade rules. They will seek to narrow their differences and work toward substantive results by the end of 2026 or in the first half of 2027. “We will work to modernize the CEPA to create a more business-friendly trade environment for Korean companies operating in India. The upgraded agreement will also cover emerging trade issues, including digital trade and supply chain cooperation,” said Park Geun-oh, Director General for Trade Agreement Policy at MOTIR. date2026-05-26

APEC Trade Ministers Discuss Multilateralism and Cooperation on AI, Digital and Green Industries

Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) represented Korea as the Head of Delegation at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Suzhou, China, from May 22 to 23, 2026, and discussed ways to strengthen trade cooperation with other APEC economies. Korea, the 2025 APEC host, also joined China, the 2026 host, and Viet Nam, the 2027 host, as part of the APEC Troika, helping maintain continuity in discussions on Asia-Pacific economic cooperation. Strengthening Global Leadership Through Multilateral Cooperation 1. Importance of APEC Cooperation in Responding to Supply Chain Crisis Amid the prolonged war in the Middle East and deepening global supply chain disruptions, Minister Yeo stressed the need for Asia-Pacific economies to work together to build supply chain resilience. He noted that the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz has exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, causing oil price volatility, disruptions to oil and gas supplies, and higher maritime logistics costs. He also called for APEC-level discussions on regional response measures, including an emergency meeting mechanism and stronger information sharing. Minister Yeo said the recent energy supply chain disruptions have underscored the urgent need for APEC members, including Korea, to accelerate the energy transition. He called for APEC-level cooperation to accelerate the region’s transition, including expanded renewable energy, stronger grid connectivity, and carbon credit cooperation. In his intervention, Minister Yeo said, “In an unprecedented crisis, predictable progress in regionalism becomes even more critical.” He added, “Based on a shared understanding of the importance of a pragmatic approach for open plurilateralism, APEC should continue to serve as a platform for practical cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.” 2. Leading Cooperation on AI and Digital Trade Minister Yeo said the digital transition and the rapid development of AI have the potential to fundamentally reshape trade and investment. He introduced Korea’s bilateral and multilateral efforts in digital rule-making, including the Korea–Singapore Digital Partnership Agreement (DPA) and the Korea–EU Digital Trade Agreement (DTA). He also expressed regret that no agreement was reached at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC 14) on extending the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, and shared with like-minded APEC economies the view that the moratorium should be made permanent. On the sidelines of the APEC meeting, Minister Yeo attended the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) Ministers’ Meeting and reviewed progress in domestic procedures in Peru and Costa Rica, whose accession negotiations concluded in 2025. At the DEPA+China Ministers’ Meeting, participants also discussed China’s accession process. 3. Contributing to the Restoration of the Multilateral Trading Order, Including the WTO Minister Yeo expressed regret that, although Korea served as Minister Facilitator for the reform session at MC14 and helped make meaningful progress and build broad consensus on WTO reform, members were unable to reach an agreement due to opposition from some countries over issues related to the moratorium on electronic transmissions. He called for reform discussions to continue in Geneva and said Korea will actively contribute to the WTO reform midway review process before the 15th WTO Ministerial Conference in 2027. Minister Yeo also expressed regret that the incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA), co-chaired by Korea and Chile through the conclusion of negotiations, into the WTO legal framework was not adopted due to opposition from one member, despite overwhelming support from 165 members. He stressed the need fo date2026-05-22

Minister Kim Meets Kyrgyz Economy and Commerce Minister to Discuss Broader Economic Cooperation

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) met with Kyrgyz Minister of Economy and Commerce Bakyt Sydykov in Seoul on May 21, 2026, to discuss ways to expand bilateral economic cooperation in trade and investment, critical minerals and development cooperation. Both sides welcomed the recent growth in bilateral trade, which reached USD 3.5 billion in 2025, the highest level since diplomatic ties were established in 1992. They also agreed on the need to trade in a wider range of goods and expand mutually beneficial trade. On critical minerals, both sides noted that the Kyrgyz Republic has abundant resources, including antimony and tungsten, and recognized the need to work together in this area. They agreed to identify priority projects for medium- to long-term cooperation and continue discussions. On development cooperation, both sides reviewed the results of ODA projects carried out jointly by MOTIR and the Kyrgyz Republic. MOTIR provided KRW 1.3 billion over three years from 2021 for technical assistance in Kyrgyzstan’s textile sector and will provide KRW 2.1 billion over five years from 2026 for technical assistance on digital transformation (DX). Both sides agreed that ODA has helped strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s industrial capacity and build a foundation for digital transformation. “Kyrgyzstan is an important partner for Korea in trade and investment, critical minerals and development cooperation,” Minister Kim said. “I hope the Korea–Central Asia Summit in Seoul in September 2026 will help accelerate economic cooperation between our two countries.” date2026-05-22

Minister Kim and UAE Energy Minister Review Barakah Plant and Korean Personnel Safety

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) held a virtual meeting with UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei on May 21, 2026. The ministers reviewed repairs to transmission facilities near the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant that were damaged in the May 17 drone attack and discussed measures to strengthen the safety of Korean personnel working in the UAE. Minister Kim thanked the UAE government for sparing no effort to support the safety of Korean personnel and their families in the UAE. He said the Korean government would also provide all possible support to help ensure repairs to the damaged facilities proceed without disruption. Minister Al Mazrouei said the UAE gives top priority to the safety of personnel working at the Barakah plant and will continue close communication and cooperation with Korea. Minister Kim also expressed appreciation for the UAE government’s cooperation in stabilizing Korea’s crude oil supplies following Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik’s March 2026 visit to the UAE as a special envoy. Under the Korea–UAE Special Strategic Partnership, MOTIR will maintain close communication with the UAE government and continue to deepen energy and industrial cooperation, including on nuclear power and crude oil supply stability. date2026-05-22

Minister Kim Meets Kyrgyz Minister of Economy and Commerce

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) met with Kyrgyz Minister of Economy and Commerce Bakyt Sydykov in Seoul on May 21, 2026, to discuss ways to expand economic cooperation in trade and investment, critical minerals, and development cooperation. Minister Kim said Kyrgyzstan is an important partner for Korea in trade and investment, critical minerals, and development cooperation, and that the Korea–Central Asia Summit in Seoul in September 2026 will help further accelerate economic cooperation between the two countries. date2026-05-22

Virtual Meeting with UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) held a virtual meeting with Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, in Seoul on May 21, 2026. The two ministers reviewed repairs to transmission facilities near the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant that sustained damage in the May 17 drone attack. They also discussed measures to strengthen the safety of Korean personnel working in the UAE. “The UAE government is doing everything possible to protect Korean personnel and their families in the UAE, and the Korean government will provide all possible support to help ensure repairs to the damaged facilities proceed without disruption,” Minister Kim said. date2026-05-22

MOTIR Holds First M.AX Conference with Industry Growth Forum

Kim Sung-youl, Deputy Minister for Industry and Growth at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), attended the first M.AX conference, combined with an industry growth forum, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Seoul on May 20, 2026.  The event brought together participants from companies, academia and related organizations involved in M.AX, including the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), LG Production Engineering Research Institute (LG PRI) and KAIST. “M.AX, the AI transformation of manufacturing, will be a critical factor in maintaining Korea’s industrial leadership and securing future competitiveness amid the global race for technological supremacy,” Deputy Minister Kim said. “MOTIR will work with companies in the M.AX Alliance to deliver tangible results, including higher productivity and greater value added across industry.” date2026-05-21

Korea and the EU Hold Dialogue on Supply Chains and Industrial Policy

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the second Korea–EU dialogue on supply chains and industrial policy with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) in Seoul on May 21, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak of MOTIR and Kerstin Jorna, Director-General of DG GROW. The dialogue was launched after Korea and the EU agreed at their summit in May 2023 to expand the existing industrial policy dialogue to cover supply chain cooperation. The first meeting was held in December 2023, and the second meeting reviewed progress in supply chain and industrial policy cooperation and discussed practical ways to advance future cooperation. The two sides first shared their policies to stabilize supply chains, as global disruptions have become a persistent risk amid escalating geopolitical tensions and threats such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Korea introduced its supply chain legislation, enacted to build a government-wide support framework, and its early warning system, which quickly detects signs of supply-demand risks in key items such as materials, parts and equipment. The two sides also exchanged views on the EU’s progress and plans for its supply chain monitoring system. The two sides also discussed industrial policy trends and major legislative and policy priorities. Korea emphasized that key EU initiatives, including the Industrial Accelerator Act, should be designed and implemented to strengthen Korea–EU supply chain links. Korea also asked the EU to give careful consideration to concerns raised by Korean companies. The two sides also discussed cooperation on supply chains in strategic industries, including critical minerals and batteries. On critical minerals, they explored ways to share information, analyze risks and collaborate on investments and projects to help build stable and sustainable supply chains. On batteries, Korea explained that Korean battery companies are helping build the EU’s battery production base and strengthen its supply chains through large-scale investments in the EU. Korea also asked for Korean companies to play a larger role in battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in the EU. The two sides also discussed ways to expand investment cooperation between Korean and European companies. They agreed that combining European companies’ core technologies with Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities could help strengthen supply chain stability and industrial competitiveness. They also agreed to expand cooperation and investment in advanced industries. They further discussed using cooperation platforms such as the EU Business Hub to identify new partnerships in strategic sectors, including green industries, digital industries and healthcare, and to turn B2B cooperation into tangible industrial outcomes. “Korea and the EU are strategic partners that share the universal values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law. They are also economic partners with strong potential to complement each other in advanced industries and supply chains,” Vice Minister Moon said. “We hope this second dialogue will lead to practical outcomes and serve as a key channel for strengthening Korea–EU supply chain stability and industrial cooperation.” MOTIR will continue to expand supply chain cooperation with the EU in strategic industries, including critical minerals and batteries, and strengthen bilateral cooperation on economic security and industrial policy. date2026-05-21