Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Amkor Korea’s New Test Facility in Incheon

Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Amkor Korea’s new test facility at the company’s Songdo site in Incheon on Wednesday, November 19.   He joined Kevin Engel, COO of Amkor Technology; Yun Won-sok, Commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority; and representatives from partner companies including Samsung Electronics for the groundbreaking performance, and then toured the facility.   In his congratulatory remarks, Director General Kang expressed gratitude for Amkor’s decision to invest in Korea despite intensifying global competition in the semiconductor sector. He added that the Korean government will work to ensure that investment commitments made during APEC proceed without delay by expanding cash-grant support, strengthening location and tax incentives, and improving regulatory frameworks. date2025-11-21

Korea Sets New January–October Auto Export Record

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced on November 20 that Korea’s cumulative automobile exports for January–October 2025 reached an all-time high of USD 59.6 billion, driven by strong eco-friendly vehicle performance. However, automobile exports in October, as well as domestic sales and production, declined year-on-year due to a reduction in working days. October automobile exports fell 10.5 percent year-on-year to $5.6 billion. Despite the shorter working period, eco-friendly vehicle exports rose 2.3 percent to $2.0 billion, supported by a 13.4 percent increase in hybrid-vehicle shipments, which offset a 7.3 percent decline in electric-vehicle (EV) exports. Domestic automobile sales decreased 12.8 percent year-on-year to 127,000 units. EV sales rose 56.1 percent, and hydrogen-vehicle sales surged 140.2 percent, continuing their recovery trend. Domestic EV sales had already set a new annual record in September, and this figure is expected to continue rising through year-end. Sales of imported vehicles also increased, driven by strong EV demand and a base effect from weak sales in October last year. Automobile production in October declined 17.6 percent year-on-year to 303,000 units, reflecting the overall reduction in working days. date2025-11-20

Public-Private Meeting on Strengthening Responses to Trade Barriers

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) delivered opening remarks while presiding over the Public-Private Meeting on Strengthening Responses to Trade Barriers held on Tuesday, November 18, at the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) conference room in Seoul.   The meeting brought together KOTRA, KITA, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Korea Iron & Steel Association, and representatives from relevant ministries, agencies, and industry associations to review Korea’s overall trade barrier response system and discuss improvement measures in depth. Trade Minister Yeo noted that the conclusion of the Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations comes amid a structural shift in the global trade environment, and stressed that MOTIR will lead a more assertive trade policy response while supporting the overseas expansion of K-beauty and K-fashion companies. MOTIR also announced that it will work jointly with relevant ministries and agencies to publish the Korean version of the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report in the first half of next year. date2025-11-20

Amkor Korea Launches Investment in High-Tech Semiconductor Packaging and Testing

Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Amkor Technology Korea’s new semiconductor test facility in Songdo, Incheon, on Wednesday, November 19. Amkor Technology traces its origins to Anam Industrial, Korea’s first company to enter the semiconductor industry in 1968. After overcoming the 1997 Asian financial crisis through investment from the U.S., the company has grown into a leading global specialist in semiconductor packaging and testing technologies. Amkor Korea plans to build three production lines and install new equipment to secure mass-production packaging capabilities and testing technologies for advanced semiconductors. The company also aims to expand cooperation with domestic semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment suppliers to strengthen Korea’s AI semiconductor ecosystem. This groundbreaking is particularly meaningful as it marks a tangible outcome less than a month after global companies announced investment plans at the “Global Investor Partnership” event during APEC 2025 on October 29. Following the Songdo facility expansion, Amkor Technology may pursue additional investment in its packaging plant in Gwangju, contributing to balanced regional development. In his congratulatory remarks, Director General Kang thanked Amkor for its bold decision to invest in Korea amid intensifying global competition for semiconductor leadership. He stated, “We hope Amkor Korea’s investment will signal further investment expansion by global companies in Korea.” He emphasized that “the Korean government will ensure that the investment commitments made by global companies during APEC are carried out without delay by expanding cash-grant support, strengthening location and taxation incentives, and improving regulatory frameworks. date2025-11-20

Korea, China, and Japan Discuss Practical Industry and Technology Cooperation for Growth in the Pan-Yellow Sea Region

The 23rd Pan-Yellow Sea Rim Economic and Technology Exchange Conference, co-hosted by Korea (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, Minister Kim Jung-kwan), China (Ministry of Commerce), and Japan (Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry), was held in Daejeon from November 18 to 20. The three countries have alternated hosting the conference since its launch in 2001. At the 13th Korea–Japan–China Economic and Trade Ministers’ Meeting (March 2025, Seoul), the ministries agreed to actively support the conference as a platform for promoting business and technology exchanges among the three countries. The conference brought together over 300 participants from the three countries’ central and local governments, industries, and economic organizations. Delegates included Lee Jae-keun, Director General for New Trade Strategy and Policy at MOTIR; Wang Liping, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs of China’s Ministry of Commerce; and Hoshino Mitsuaki, Director General of Japan’s Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, as well as Park Young-kyu, Ambassador for International Relations of Daejeon Metropolitan City, the host region. Under the overarching theme of “Growth and Development of the Pan-Yellow Sea Rim Economic Zone,” participants shared recent cooperation outcomes and policy directions in specific fields—including bioindustry and healthcare, science and technology, and business exchange—and discussed future cooperation opportunities. The three countries also reached consensus on the need to build an innovation ecosystem in the region and enhance practical integration of industrial and technological cooperation. Given the strong participation of regional business leaders this year, the conference also offered a separate economic cooperation program to facilitate practical collaboration. During the Business Consultation Session on November 20, about 200 meetings took place between Korean–Chinese and Korean–Japanese companies, generating tangible outcomes in overseas expansion and investment leads.  In addition to the trilateral agenda, Korea also held bilateral cooperation programs with China and Japan. Korea and China convened the Third-Country Joint Entry Forum on November 20 to explore cooperation and joint entry strategies for third-country markets, and to share experiences and information on overseas expansion. Korea and Japan (Kyushu) held the Korea–Kyushu Economic Exchange Conference 2025 on November 18 to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization, discussing cooperation in key supply-chain industries where the two sides are closely linked, including semiconductors and automobiles. The Korea–Japan Economic Association and the Kyushu Economic Federation—the lead organizations for bilateral economic cooperation—also issued a joint statement committing to promote exchanges among regions, institutions, and companies; address shared challenges such as future industries, low birthrates, and regional depopulation; and expand people-to-people exchanges. Separately, MOTIR (Director General Lee Jae-keun) held a trilateral director general meeting with China and Japan to discuss ways to boost trade and investment, promote cooperation in advanced industries such as ICT and biotechnology, and facilitate joint entry into third-country markets. Korea also held bilateral meetings with the Chinese and Japanese delegations to address trade issues and other matters of mutual interest. date2025-11-20

Korea to Develop its Own NTE Report

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) chaired the Public-Private Meeting on Strengthening Responses to Trade Barriers on Tuesday, November 18, at Seoul Trade Tower. The meeting was attended by representatives from the government, industry associations, and related organizations. Through recent meetings and site visits with the K-beauty and K-fashion industries, Minister Yeo heard firsthand that non-tariff barriers—such as certification and customs clearance requirements—pose significant challenges to Korea’s consumer goods exports in both advanced and developing markets. Building on these field insights, the meeting conducted a comprehensive review of Korea’s current trade barrier response system and held in-depth discussions on improvement measures. MOTIR announced that it will work jointly with relevant ministries and agencies to publish the Korean version of the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report in the first half of next year. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), based on U.S. trade law, publishes the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers every year, assessing the trade environment and major tariff and non-tariff measures in approximately 60 trading partners. MOTIR also plans to analyze foreign measures that disadvantage Korean firms and compile key findings into a consolidated “Trade Barrier Database” to improve industry access and usability. MOTIR will also institutionalize the Public-Private Trade Barrier Response Council to convene twice a year, enabling systematic information-sharing and coordinated response strategies. Progress on bilateral dialogues, FTA joint committees, and other relevant discussions will be monitored through quarterly review meetings to ensure a seamless public-private response mechanism to trade barriers. Trade Minister Yeo emphasized that “although the Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations have been concluded, the global trade environment has entered a structural new normal, requiring more assertive trade policies to address trade barriers. As the control tower, the Ministry of Trade will mobilize public and private capabilities and actively support the overseas expansion of K-beauty and K-fashion companies.” MOTIR will also launch a dedicated task force within the year to prepare the Korean NTE Report. date2025-11-20

Korea and the UAE to Jointly Advance the UAE Stargate Project

The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyung-hoon), the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE, Minister Kim Sung-whan), the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF, Minister Chun Jae-soo), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan), and the National AI Strategy Committee announced that, on the occasion of President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to the United Arab Emirates, Korea and the UAE will significantly expand bilateral cooperation, including Korea’s participation in the UAE’s Stargate Project—one of the world’s largest AI-infrastructure initiatives.   To position Korea as a “top-three global AI leader,” the government has strengthened its AI innovation ecosystem across infrastructure, technology, and talent through cooperation with global partners such as BlackRock, OpenAI, and NVIDIA. Aiming to establish itself as the “AI Capital of Asia,” Korea views strategic partnerships with key nations as essential to leading the competitive global market. Cooperation with the UAE marks the first large-scale effort in extending Korea’s accumulated capabilities into overseas markets, signaling Korea’s full-fledged entry into the global AI race.   Strategic AI Cooperation Framework   Korea’s National AI Strategy Committee and the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC) signed the Strategic AI Cooperation Framework, agreeing to deepen comprehensive collaboration in the AI sector. Priority areas include AI investment and infrastructure development, AI supply-chain expansion, the acceleration of AI and advanced-technology adoption, and AI R&D. Under this framework, the two countries will cooperate widely from AI technology and application development to the construction of AI-energy infrastructure.   During the summit, the two countries agreed to jointly pursue major projects for shared prosperity and development. The first initiative is the Energy-Mix-Based Hyperscale AI Data Center Project, which involves constructing a large-scale AI data center in the UAE. To ensure stable operation, the project will integrate nuclear, gas, and renewable energy sources into the power grid, while also expanding cooperation in semiconductor supply chains.   The UAE Stargate Project alone is expected to involve initial investments exceeding KRW 30 trillion, providing substantial opportunities for Korean companies in energy, batteries, climate-tech solutions, AI startups, and firms with experience in AI data centers to enter the global market.   The second initiative is a physical-AI–based smart-port and logistics project. Korea will leverage its experience operating fully automated terminals and applying data-driven physical AI to help the UAE develop highly efficient automated and intelligent ports. Busan Port and Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port will serve as testbeds for joint demonstration and validation. This cooperation will not only create growth opportunities for Korean physical-AI technology companies but also support the global expansion of AI-driven port and logistics systems. It represents a major step forward for both countries as emerging leaders in smart ports and logistics.   MOU to Expand AI-Sector Exchanges   MSIT and the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence signed an MOU to expand cooperation in the AI sector, supporting exchanges among research institutions, companies, and experts; facilitating private-sector engagement; and promoting AI investment. The MOU also outlines cooperation to enable Korean AI companies to participate in UAE AI-data-center construction and sector-specific AI transformation projects. To sustain cooperation, MSIT and the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence agreed to establish a director-level bilatera date2025-11-19

Korea and the UAE Establish CEPA Economic Cooperation Committee and Sign MOU to Accelerate Nuclear Export Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that, immediately following the Korea–UAE summit held on Tuesday, November 18, and in the presence of President Lee Jae Myung and UAE leaders, the two countries signed two memoranda of understanding (MOUs). These agreements establish a Korea–UAE CEPA Economic Cooperation Committee ahead of the agreement’s entry into force and accelerate cooperation in nuclear-energy technology development, efficient nuclear-plant operations, and third-country nuclear exports. MOTIR Minister Kim Jung-kwan and Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, signed the MOU on the Administration and Operation of the Korea–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Economic Cooperation Committee. The Korea–UAE CEPA, formally signed in May 2024 and currently undergoing parliamentary ratification, is Korea’s first FTA with a Middle Eastern country and holds significant meaning. With this MOU, both sides have proactively established an operational framework so that concrete cooperation programs can begin immediately once the agreement enters into force. MOTIR plans to activate the committee as soon as CEPA takes effect, identify priority areas for bilateral cooperation, and enhance the agreement’s implementation. In addition, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) signed the MOU on Nuclear New Technologies, AI, and Global Market Cooperation. Through this partnership, the two countries will expand cooperation to ensure stable and reliable nuclear-plant operations, including joint training programs for junior engineers and data specialists, and increased exchanges between universities and research institutes. The two sides will also enhance predictive maintenance, operational-environment simulation, and digitalization of plant data by leveraging AI and digital technologies. Building on these advancements, they agreed to expand the Barakah cooperation model to a global level and pursue joint entry into third-country nuclear markets. MOTIR stated that the two MOUs will activate practical cooperation platforms that bring together both governments and private-sector entities in trade and nuclear-export fields. The ministry added that it will strengthen follow-up measures for joint projects and actively support Korean companies operating in the UAE. date2025-11-19

MOTIR Holds 2025 World Class Product Certification Ceremony

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) held the 2025 World Class Product of Korea Certification Ceremony on Tuesday, November 18, at Lotte Hotel World in Seoul, presenting certificates to 83 newly selected items and 88 companies designated as World Class Products and World Class Product producers. The World Class Product designation program, launched in 2001, annually selects world-class export products and their producers to diversify Korea’s export portfolio and strengthen future growth engines. This year, 27 items—including TC Bonder (semiconductor bonding equipment) and telecommunications semiconductor substrates—and 31 companies were selected as Current World Class Products, while 56 items and 57 companies were selected as Next Generation World Class Products. A business consultation event was held alongside the ceremony, bringing together 100 overseas buyers and 150 participating companies, including World Class Product producers. A total of 11 export contracts and MOUs valued at USD 16.3 million were signed. Side events included the Industrial AI Forum and a 1:1 job consultation session for middle market enterprises. Director General for Middle Market Enterprise Policy Choi Yeon-woo stated, “Despite an increasingly challenging trade environment due to rising protectionism, Korea’s export growth is driven by companies striving to produce world-class products.” He added, “The government will continue to provide strong support by strengthening industrial competitiveness and sustaining Korea’s export momentum.” date2025-11-19

Graphene Square Opens Pohang Plant, Advancing Graphene Commercialization and Regional Growth

The opening ceremony for Graphene Square’s new Pohang plant—one of the region’s key relocated enterprises—was held on Tuesday, November 18, in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Graphene Square is the world’s first company to commercialize mass-synthesis technology for graphene and apply it to real-world products. Using its chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-based graphene synthesis technology, the company leads the global market in large-scale production and commercialization of high-quality graphene. The newly completed Pohang plant establishes the world’s first mass-production system for CVD graphene films, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 square meters. This marks a major starting point for full-scale graphene commercialization. It is also expected to serve as an important milestone in Korea’s balanced national development, positioning Pohang—designated in August as an Industrial Crisis Response Area—as a rising hub for the graphene industry alongside steel. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) has consistently supported the graphene industry by providing R&D assistance for graphene-related technologies and by designating Graphene Square’s technology as an “advanced technology” under the Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology in September. MOTIR also contributed to the establishment of the Pohang plant by providing Local Investment Promotion Subsidies, aiding Pohang’s efforts to attract the facility. In his congratulatory remarks, Kim Seong-yeol, Director General for Industrial Infrastructure at MOTIR, stated, "Graphene is a core material that will determine competitiveness in future high-tech industries. The government will continue to support the graphene industry through various measures such as identifying new applications and improving regulatory conditions.” He added, “Attracting the graphene plant to Pohang demonstrates that regions outside the Seoul metropolitan area can secure major high-tech industries, providing a successful model for balanced national development that goes beyond simple regional parity and enables genuine regional growth. Building on the ‘5-Poles, 3-Specialized Zones’ strategy, we will continue to create a favorable investment environment by improving infrastructure and living conditions, expanding local investment subsidies, and supporting regional efforts to attract innovative companies.” date2025-11-18