Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Global Semiconductor Equipment Maker Axcelis Expands Asia-Pacific Manufacturing Base in Korea

Axcelis Technologies, a U.S. semiconductor equipment manufacturer, held a groundbreaking ceremony on October 20, 2026, to expand its Axcelis Asia Operations Center (AAOC) at the Oseong Industrial Complex in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. AAOC is the company’s only manufacturing facility outside the United States. The investment will substantially increase AAOC’s annual production capacity for ion implantation equipment and is expected to help strengthen Korea’s semiconductor supply chain. Axcelis Technologies is a globally competitive company in ion implantation, a key process in semiconductor manufacturing. Since its establishment in 2021, AAOC has supplied ion implantation equipment to Korean customers, including Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, and exported it directly to other Asia-Pacific countries, including China, Japan and Singapore. With this expansion, Axcelis is following through on the investment plan it announced in September 2026 at an investment declaration ceremony chaired by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) in the United States on the occasion of the G20 Innovation Ministers’ Meeting. Axcelis plans to develop AAOC from a site focused primarily on manufacturing into a comprehensive center encompassing research and development (R&D), prototype production and technical training, making it a key hub for the Asia-Pacific region. With these expanded capabilities, AAOC is expected to meet equipment demand from Korean and overseas companies more promptly and reliably, while actively contributing to greater cooperation with Korean materials, parts and equipment (MPE) companies and the development of skilled professionals through technical training. The ceremony was attended by around 60 participants, including Axcelis Technologies President and CEO Russell Low and Axcelis Korea Country Manager James Park; government officials including Kang Gam-chan, Deputy Minister for International Trade and Investment at MOTIR, Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae and Pyeongtaek Mayor Choi Won-yong; and representatives from Korean customers and partner companies. “Axcelis’ investment is significant in that it demonstrates the company’s confidence in Korea’s semiconductor industry,” Deputy Minister Kang said in his congratulatory remarks. He expressed hope that the AAOC expansion would further strengthen Korea’s semiconductor supply chain and help Axcelis take its business to the next level. “The Korean government will also work closely with Gyeonggi Province and Pyeongtaek to address challenges on the ground and help the investment proceed smoothly,” he added. date2026-10-20

Korea and Chile Hold 11th Free Trade Commission Meeting

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 11th Korea–Chile Free Trade Commission meeting in Seoul on October 19, 2026. The Korean and Chilean delegations were led by Park Keun-oh, Director General for Trade Agreement Policy at MOTIR, and Felipe Lopeandía Wielandt, Director General for Bilateral Economic Affairs at Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, respectively. The Korea–Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force in 2004 as Korea’s first FTA. The agreement is seen as having helped Korean companies enter Latin American markets, with bilateral trade rising from USD 1.57 billion in 2003, before the FTA took effect, to USD 6.4 billion in 2025. The commission met for the first time in ten years, as a follow-up to an agreement reached at the bilateral summit in July 2026 to review FTA implementation and discuss trade and investment cooperation, including upgrading the agreement. The two sides reviewed FTA implementation, including progress on updating the product-specific rules of origin (PSRs) from Harmonized System (HS) 2012 to HS 2022 and the exchange of FTA utilization statistics. They also discussed a broad range of mutually beneficial cooperation measures to strengthen bilateral trade relations, including ways to advance negotiations on upgrading the Korea–Chile FTA in areas such as minerals cooperation. date2026-10-19

Samsung Electronics to Share 126 Technologies with 99 Companies Free of Charge

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 2026 MOTIR–Samsung Electronics Technology Sharing Event on October 19, 2026, in Seoul. Attendees included Yoon Seong-hwan, Vice President and Head of the Patent Application Team at Samsung Electronics’ IP Center, and representatives of approximately 80 companies receiving technologies through the program. Samsung Electronics has participated in the technology-sharing program every year from 2015 through 2026, offering a total of 7,210 technologies. Of these, 1,461 have been transferred free of charge to 871 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies. This year, Samsung Electronics offered 202 advanced technologies in mobile devices, displays and home appliances, of which 126 were transferred to 99 companies. Technologies in the mobile sector, where Samsung Electronics is a leader, were transferred to the largest number of companies this year. The technology that drew the most interest was the “Method and Apparatus for Controlling Multiple IoT Devices” in the mobile and home appliance categories. It enables users to control IoT devices at a specific location through a mobile device. Other Technologies Offered - Mobile robot system, mobile robot and control method: Stores navigation data generated by a mobile robot on a server and shares it with other robots. - Voice data processing method and electronic device supporting the method: Compares text on a device’s screen with voice input to execute a specific function. - Shared task processing method and apparatus: Distributes tasks to the relevant personnel based on the shared task entered into the system and prompts them to enter the results. - Keyword search method and apparatus: Opens a social networking service (SNS) associated with a specific location when text mentioning that location appears in a messaging app. MOTIR said it would continue to support technology sharing to provide SMEs and mid-sized companies with the advanced technologies they need to innovate and grow, thereby helping build an innovation ecosystem based on mutually beneficial cooperation. date2026-10-19

Automobile Exports Fall 5.5%, Production Rises 3.7% in September 2026

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Korea’s automobile export value fell 5.5 percent year-on-year to USD 6.05 billion in September 2026, while export volume rose 4.1 percent to 237,000 units. Domestic sales fell 14.3 percent to 135,000 units, while production rose 3.7 percent to 347,000 units. By region, exports rose in key markets: North America, up 9.2 percent to USD 3.07 billion, and the European Union, up 15.3 percent to USD 1.11 billion. However, exports declined in markets including Asia, down 60.0 percent to USD 330 million, and the Middle East, down 7.1 percent to USD 350 million, bringing total exports down 5.5 percent year-on-year to USD 6.05 billion. The decline was attributed to factors including lower used car exports amid the war in the Middle East and tighter regulations in major countries, despite a 4.1 percent year-on-year increase in new vehicle export volume. Meanwhile, eco-friendly vehicle export value rose 5.9 percent year-on-year to USD 2.89 billion, supported by increased exports of electric and hybrid vehicles. Domestic sales fell 14.3 percent year-on-year to 135,000 units in September. The decline appears to reflect an average of three fewer business days due to the shift of the Chuseok holiday from October in 2025 to September in 2026, deferred purchases in anticipation of new models, and slower electric vehicle sales as subsidy funds were depleted. Eco-friendly vehicle sales reached 80,000 units, accounting for approximately 59 percent of total domestic sales and maintaining a high share of the market. Automobile production rose 3.7 percent year-on-year to 347,000 units. The increase was supported by major automakers making up production shortfalls after concluding wage negotiations, as well as a base effect from strikes at some automakers a year earlier. With global competition recently intensifying as Chinese automakers expand into overseas markets, MOTIR plans to maintain close communication with the automobile industry and actively support its continued growth. date2026-10-19

11th Korea–Chile Free Trade Commission Meeting

Park Keun-oh, Director General for Trade Agreement Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), attended the 11th Korea–Chile FTA Free Trade Commission meeting at the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) in Seoul on October 19, 2026. Director General Park led the Korean government delegation, while the Chilean delegation was led by Felipe Lopeandía Wielandt, Director General for Bilateral Economic Affairs at Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After delivering opening remarks, the two sides reviewed FTA implementation, including progress on product-specific rules of origin (PSRs) and the exchange of FTA utilization statistics. The two sides also discussed ways to advance negotiations on upgrading the Korea–Chile FTA in areas such as minerals cooperation. date2026-10-19

2026 MOTIR–Samsung Electronics Technology Sharing Event

The 2026 MOTIR–Samsung Electronics Technology Sharing Event was held in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, on October 19, 2026. At the event, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), Samsung Electronics, and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Approximately 100 participants attended, including Jeon Yoon-jong, President of KIAT; Yoon Seong-hwan, Vice President and Head of the Patent Application Team at Samsung Electronics’ IP Center; and representatives of companies receiving technologies through the program. MOTIR said it would continue to support technology sharing to provide SMEs and mid-sized companies with the advanced technologies they need to innovate and grow, helping build an innovation ecosystem based on mutually beneficial cooperation. date2026-10-19

World Standards Day 2026 Ceremony

Kim Kyu-sung, President of the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), attended the World Standards Day 2026 ceremony at the International Conference Hall of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Seoul on October 14, 2026. Around 300 people attended, including Moon Dong-min, Chairman of the Korean Standards Association (KSA), honorees for contributions to standardization, and their families. After delivering congratulatory remarks, President Kim presented 50 orders, medals and government commendations recognizing contributions to Korea’s industrial development and national competitiveness through domestic and international standardization and efforts to address and improve technical regulations. Recipients included Lee Sang-yong, Head of the VS R&D Lab at LG Electronics, who received the Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit. President Kim then took part in a ceremonial seal stamping. President Kim emphasized that standards are essential to Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX), ensuring the interoperability and reliability of AI data and systems. He pledged to actively pursue standardization to support AI integration across industries and expand M.AX into sectors including autonomous manufacturing, robotics and future vehicles. date2026-10-16

17th Round of Korea–China FTA Follow-up Negotiations on Services and Investment

Kwon Hye-jin, Deputy Minister for Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), attended the 17th round of follow-up negotiations on services and investment under the Korea–China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Seoul on October 15, 2026. Deputy Minister Kwon and Chen Chao, Director General of the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs at China’s Ministry of Commerce, served as chief negotiators for their respective government delegations.  “We will work to improve conditions for Korean companies entering overseas markets, including by securing substantive results in sectors such as audiovisual and financial services on the basis of reciprocal market opening,” Deputy Minister Kwon said. “We will continue in-depth discussions on areas of mutual interest to make progress in the negotiations that aligns with Korea’s national interests, and do our utmost to build on that progress to further strengthen the foundation for bilateral economic cooperation.” date2026-10-16

Korea and China Hold 17th Round of FTA Follow-up Negotiations on Services and Investment

Korea and China are holding the 17th round of follow-up negotiations on services and investment under their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Seoul from October 12 to 16, 2026. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that around 30 delegates from both countries are participating in the talks. The Korean delegation is led by Kwon Hye-jin, Deputy Minister for Trade Negotiations at MOTIR, and the Chinese delegation by Chen Chao, Director General of the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs at China’s Ministry of Commerce. When concluding the FTA, which entered into force in 2015, Korea and China agreed to pursue greater liberalization through follow-up negotiations on services and investment. They launched the talks in March 2018 and have since held 16 formal rounds. The follow-up negotiations on services and investment under the Korea–China FTA are significant because they lay the groundwork for expanding bilateral trade beyond goods into high-value-added services. Bilateral trade in goods totals approximately USD 270 billion, compared with about USD 38.8 billion in services.1  The two sides are discussing ways to expand services trade in line with their close trading relationship in goods. “We will work to improve conditions for Korean companies entering overseas markets, including by securing substantive results in sectors such as audiovisual and financial services on the basis of reciprocal market opening,” Deputy Minister Kwon said. “We will continue in-depth discussions on areas of mutual interest to make progress in the negotiations that aligns with Korea’s national interests, and do our utmost to build on that progress to further strengthen the foundation for bilateral economic cooperation.”     1Korea’s services trade is equivalent to 14.2 percent of its goods trade with China, compared with 23.8 percent for its trade with the world. date2026-10-15

K-Standards to Turn Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX) into Reality

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held a ceremony marking World Standards Day 2026 at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on October 14, 2026. The ministry presented 50 awards to individuals and organizations that contributed to Korea’s industrial development and strengthened national competitiveness through domestic and international standardization, as well as efforts to address and improve technical regulations. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) established World Standards Day in 1970 to raise awareness of the importance of standards and promote international standardization. Korea has held an annual ceremony since 2000 to identify and honor those who have contributed to standardization. Lee Sang-yong, Head of the VS R&D Lab at LG Electronics, received the Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit for strengthening global competitiveness through standardization. His achievements included expanding the global ecosystem through strategic standardization of automotive software and electronic systems and helping LG achieve the world’s largest market share in telematics. Kwon Dae-hyun, Manager at LS ELECTRIC, received the Industrial Service Medal. As a member of the IEC Standardization Management Board (SMB), he contributed to establishing new international standardization committees in areas including quantum technologies and smart manufacturing. He also led the international standardization and localization of industrial communication technologies in Korea. Now in its 27th year, the ceremony commemorating World Standards Day was held under the theme “K-Standards Turn Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX) into Reality.” The event highlighted the role and importance of standards in supporting M.AX and reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to taking K-Standards to the next level. Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) President Kim Kyu-sung emphasized that standards are essential to M.AX because they ensure the interoperability and reliability of AI data and systems. He said, “We will actively pursue standardization to support AI integration across industries so that M.AX can expand into diverse sectors, including autonomous manufacturing, robotics, and future vehicles.”  date2026-10-14