Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

K Connect AI 2026 Opening Ceremony

Kang Gam-chan, Deputy Minister for International Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), attended the K Connect AI 2026 opening ceremony at on October 13, 2026, at COEX in Seoul.  Around 400 participants attended, including Kang Kyung-sung, President of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and Yong Seok-woo, Chairman of the Korea Electronics Association (KEA). After delivering opening remarks, Deputy Minister Kang took part in an LED screen touch ceremony marking the opening. He then presented orders, medals, and government commendations to 41 individuals for enhancing the standing of the electronics and IT industry, including Kim Young-jae, Chairman of Daeduck Electronics, who received the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit. He also toured the Korea Electronics Show (KES). In his remarks, Deputy Minister Kang said the government would develop K Connect AI into a flagship international exhibition for Korea and a business platform that drives industrial innovation and exports toward the USD 1 trillion mark. date2026-10-14

September ICT Exports Top $70 Billion and Trade Surplus Exceeds $50 Billion, Setting New Records

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyung-hoon) announced on October 14, 2026, that Korea’s ICT exports reached USD 75.15 billion in September 2026, up 195.8 percent year-on-year from $25.40 billion. Imports rose 55.3 percent from $13.80 billion to $21.43 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $53.71 billion. Supported by expanding AI investment worldwide, September ICT exports jumped from the previous record of $59.98 billion straight past the $60 billion range to top $70 billion for the first time. The ICT trade surplus also continued to grow, reaching the $50 billion range for the first time. ICT exports accounted for 62.1 percent of Korea’s total exports of $120.94 billion, maintaining a share of above 60 percent for a second consecutive month and continuing to play a key role in Korea’s export growth. By product, exports of semiconductors (up 262.8 percent), mobile phones (up 28.2 percent), and computers and peripherals (up 393.0 percent) increased, while exports of displays (down 11.5 percent) and telecommunications equipment (down 2.3 percent) declined. Semiconductor exports set a new monthly record for a second consecutive month as expanding demand for AI infrastructure increased sales of high-value products and contract prices for conventional memory continued to rise. Mobile phone exports increased due to higher exports of components and increased sales volumes of premium handsets. Exports of computers and peripherals also increased, led by SSDs and mid- to large-sized computers, as investment in AI data centers continued to expand. Display exports declined as adjustments to some smartphone launch schedules reduced demand for OLED panels. Telecommunications equipment exports declined slightly as exports of navigation equipment to Poland and Türkiye and wireless communications equipment to Japan decreased. By destination, exports increased to all major markets: the U.S. (up 420.1 percent), China, including Hong Kong (up 228.9 percent), India (up 104.3 percent), Vietnam (up 66.8 percent), Japan (up 119.6 percent), Taiwan (up 110.9 percent), and the EU (up 128.5 percent). ICT imports totaled $21.43 billion in September 2026, up 55.3 percent from $13.80 billion a year earlier, as imports increased in several major categories, including semiconductors (up 94.5 percent), mobile phones (up 40.9 percent), and computers and peripherals (up 48.4 percent). date2026-10-14

MOTIR Launches K Connect AI

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) is launching K Connect AI, which brings together five major exhibitions in Korea around a common theme of artificial intelligence (AI): the Korea Electronics Show (KES), the Semiconductor Exhibition (SEDEX), Industrial AI EXPO, Asia Machinery & Manufacturing Expo Korea (AMXPO), and ROBOWORLD. The government plans to develop flagship global exhibitions representing Korea in AI-based advanced industries and in consumer goods such as food and cosmetics, both areas of Korean strength. Making its debut this year, K Connect AI is a new project to develop a flagship Korean exhibition for advanced industries. Its programs will run for about a month, with an opening ceremony, an international conference, special pavilions, and business matching meetings with overseas buyers, all centered on industrial AI. The opening ceremony on October 13, 2026, was held jointly with the opening of KES 2026 and the Electronics and IT Day ceremony. Attendees included Kang Gam-chan, Deputy Minister for International Trade and Investment at MOTIR; Kang Kyung-sung, President of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA); Yong Seok-woo, Chairman of the Korea Electronics Association (KEA); and Kinsey Fabrizio, President and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which organizes CES in the United States. The ceremony unveiled the vision for K Connect AI and brought together the heads of the five exhibitions’ organizing institutions for a ceremony celebrating their cooperation. Together, these activities marked the launch of a business platform for AI-based advanced industries. During KES, CTA will also host CES Asia Unveiled Seoul to introduce CES 2027 and key technology trends that will drive future innovation. On October 21, an international conference at the KINTEX Grand Ballroom will bring together leading scholars from Korea and abroad and executives from global companies to discuss global trends in manufacturing AI and strategies for responding to them. In the morning keynote session, Professor Raffaello D’Andrea of ETH Zurich and Park Min-woo, President at Hyundai Motor Group, will deliver keynote addresses and take part in a dialogue on expanding the ecosystem for manufacturing AI and developing response strategies. In the afternoon industry session, executives from IBM, Qualcomm, POSCO, and other global companies will discuss real-world applications, including AI factories, industrial robots and physical AI, autonomous manufacturing, and the use of AI by global manufacturers. Drawing on these examples, they will present practical strategies and opportunities for cooperation that companies can consider when adopting AI. Throughout K Connect AI, a dedicated pavilion will explain the need for AI transformation in manufacturing (M.AX) and give visitors hands-on experience with how Korean companies apply AI. Exhibits and demonstrations will feature applications tested in real-world settings, including AI factories, AI systems for distribution and logistics, and humanoid robots. Around 130 overseas buyer companies with demand for industrial AI will also be invited to business matching meetings linked to the five exhibitions. To improve export outcomes from these meetings, buyers will receive lists of recommended company matches in advance, prepared using AI solutions. At the 21st Electronics and IT Day ceremony, held alongside the opening ceremony, 41 individuals received government awards for enhancing the standing of the electronics and IT industry. Recipients included Kim Young-jae, Chairman of Daeduck Electronics, who received the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit, and Cho Ji-tae, Senior Vice President of LG Innotek, who received the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit. “Exhibitions are evolving beyond venues for displaying and trading products into business platforms that bring technologi date2026-10-14

Cabinet Approves Amendments to the Enforcement Decree of the Foreign Trade Act

The Cabinet of Korea approved amendments to the Enforcement Decree of the Foreign Trade Act on October 13, 2026. The amendments set out details on matters delegated by the Foreign Trade Act, which was amended on April 21, 2026. They specify the scope and procedures of investigations for imposing export and import restrictions; the scope of statistical data that may be requested from the Korea Customs Service (KCS) to support the use of trade agreements; and requirements for designating institutions that support businesses in using trade agreements and for revoking their designation.  The key changes to the Act adopted in April are outlined below. First, the amended Act expands the grounds for imposing export and import restrictions to protect national interests against an increasingly diverse range of trade risks. Previously, these restrictions were permitted only in circumstances such as war, civil unrest, natural disasters, unfair discrimination by trading partners, or the need to maintain international peace. They may now also be imposed to address national security threats or protect individuals’ and companies’ information, public morals, or national treasures.  Second, the amended Act allows requests to KCS for preferential tariff statistics to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and middle market enterprises use trade agreements. It also establishes a legal basis for institutions that provide this support. These provisions aim to help these businesses respond systematically to changes in the trade environment. Accordingly, the amendments to the Enforcement Decree update the rules governing investigations for imposing export and import restrictions. They also clarify provisions on requesting data to support the use of trade agreements and designating institutions that provide this support. First, the amendments specify the scope and methods of investigations for imposing export and import restrictions. They establish procedures for consulting experts and gathering stakeholder views, and provide for detailed investigation rules to be prescribed by public notice. These rules will govern the investigations, thereby supporting the effective implementation of export and import restrictions. The amendments also specify which statistics on preferential tariffs KCS is to provide for support programs. These include export and import values eligible for preferential tariff treatment, values that actually received such treatment, and preferential tariff utilization rates for exports and imports. The data will support programs that systematically help SMEs and middle market enterprises use trade agreements and respond to changes in the trade environment. Finally, the amendments clarify the legal status and oversight framework of institutions that support businesses in using trade agreements to enable a systematic and stable response to changes in the trade environment. The amendments set out designation requirements and procedures, as well as grounds for revoking designation, including continued failure to meet those requirements or clearly improper performance of duties. They also establish a legal basis for hearings before designation is revoked. The amended Enforcement Decree is scheduled to take effect on October 22, together with the April amendments to the Foreign Trade Act. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) will work to protect national interests against an increasingly diverse range of security threats. Amid rapid changes in the trade environment, the ministry plans to establish a support framework through public-private cooperation, including institutions that help businesses use trade agreements, and provide a clear legal basis for KCS to supply data. These steps will help MOTIR effectively deliver programs supporting the use of trade agreements and other related initiatives. date2026-10-14

MOTIR Steps Up Efforts to Prevent Industrial Technology Leakage in Response to National Assembly Audit

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) plans to strengthen institutional measures and cooperation with relevant government agencies to make its response to technology leakage more effective. The plan follows concerns raised about industrial technology protection during MOTIR’s National Assembly audit on October 6, 2026, which the ministry takes seriously.   During the October 6 audit, lawmakers called for more staff and funding for technology protection at MOTIR, the ministry responsible for overseeing industrial technology protection, and the introduction of special judicial police powers to investigate technology leakage. They also called for closer cooperation between MOTIR and agencies such as the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) to comprehensively manage data, including statistics on technology leakage, and develop technology protection policies. Lawmakers further called for clear criteria to determine when technology leakage offenses can be punished as espionage. To ensure stricter penalties, lawmakers also called for requiring courts to obtain MOTIR’s confirmation during court proceedings as to whether the technology in question constitutes industrial technology.   To address the growing threat of technology leakage, MOTIR amended the Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology in 2025. The amendments strengthened oversight of companies by introducing a system for the government to determine ex officio whether companies hold national core technologies, while also increasing penalties for technology leakage offenders, including higher fines. MOTIR has also continued to strengthen interagency cooperation on technology protection by operating the government-wide joint response team on technology leakage and the Industrial Technology Protection Policy Council.   However, as methods of technology leakage become more sophisticated and technology security grows increasingly important, concerns have been raised that existing measures and response systems alone may not be enough to build a robust and comprehensive technology protection system that meets the needs of the public and businesses. MOTIR takes the issues raised during the National Assembly audit seriously and plans to actively pursue the following policies to make its response to technology leakage more effective.   First, MOTIR will strengthen the security capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), universities, and other organizations vulnerable to technology leakage. The ministry will expand support for the installation of security equipment and consulting services for SMEs and other organizations, while strengthening oversight of key personnel to prevent technology leaks through personnel. The ministry will also step up inspections of companies’ technology protection practices to address emerging risks associated with the growing use of AI and the expansion of companies into overseas markets. Second, MOTIR will take steps to ensure that illicit profits from technology leakage are recovered. The ministry plans to broaden the scope of assets subject to confiscation and recognize technology development costs incurred by affected companies as damages. It will also allow courts to commission specialized institutions to assess damages, helping affected companies obtain meaningful relief. Third, MOTIR will work to prevent technology leakage offenders from evading punishment in court. It will establish a legal basis for courts to request MOTIR’s confirmation during trials as to whether the technology in question constitutes industrial technology. The ministry will also establish a legal basis to request data from intelligence and investigative agencies on the extent of damage, methods of leakage, and other relevant details to obtain an accurate picture of technology leakage. date2026-10-08

Korea Launches Full-Scale Efforts to Usher in a New Era of Nuclear Power Exports

On October 7, 2026, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) met with stakeholders across Korea’s nuclear sector at Seoul Club on the 18th floor of the Korea Press Center in Seoul, on the occasion of the launch and inaugural meeting of the Nuclear Export Leaders Forum. At the meeting, participants discussed how to usher in a new era of nuclear power exports. Worldwide interest in nuclear power, a reliable source of carbon-free electricity, has been growing as countries seek to address the climate crisis and energy security concerns and meet rising electricity demand from the spread of AI and data centers. This has also raised expectations for the overseas expansion of Korea’s nuclear industry. Against this backdrop, Korea’s nuclear sector has expressed the view that ushering in a new era of nuclear power exports would require a communication channel linking industry, academia, research institutes, and government to share information and exchange views on current issues. In response, the Korea Nuclear Association for International Cooperation (KNA) launched the Nuclear Export Leaders Forum with its member companies and other stakeholders. MOTIR and KNA supported the inaugural forum, and going forward, KNA and stakeholders across the nuclear sector will jointly develop its operating framework, run the forum independently, and hold meetings on a regular basis. From MOTIR, Deputy Minister for International Trade and Investment Kang Gam-chan and Lee Sang-eun, Director of the Nuclear Power Plant Cooperation Division,, both of whom oversaw the working-level negotiations on the Korea–U.S. Nuclear Power Framework, attended the forum. They explained the framework and shared anecdotes, giving participants a vivid account of the negotiations leading to the agreement with the United States. Participants also shared a range of views on entering overseas markets, including the United States. In particular, representatives of nuclear SMEs and middle market enterprises expressed high expectations for entering overseas nuclear markets, inquiring about opportunities to participate in supply chains for U.S. projects and the relevant requirements. In response to this interest, the government plans to actively support Korean companies in acquiring the design and manufacturing capabilities and meeting the qualification requirements needed to enter overseas nuclear supply chains. It will enhance around 30 existing support programs, including the “Nuclear Export First Step” program, support for certification and supplier registration, and export bond insurance. The government will also develop new support measures tailored to global markets, including the United States, and begin providing full-scale support in 2027. In addition, the government plans to invite global nuclear industry representatives to the 2026 Global Nuclear Energy & Safety Confex (NES 2026), to be held in Gyeongju from October 27 to 29, and organize supplier briefings, B2B meetings, and other activities. In his congratulatory remarks, Deputy Minister Kang thanked Korea’s nuclear sector and said, “The recent Korea–U.S. agreement was made possible by the hard work of the nuclear sector, which has built a strong nuclear ecosystem and successfully completed projects despite difficult conditions.” He expressed hope that, with global demand for nuclear power growing, Korea’s nuclear sector would come together and pool its capabilities to expand into global markets. He also stressed that the government would provide all possible support to usher in a new era of nuclear power exports. date2026-10-08

Korea’s FDI Notifications Through Q3 2026 Rise 10.8% to $22.9 Billion, Actual Inflows Up 30.6% to $14.9 Billion

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Korea on a notification basis reached USD 22.9 billion in the first three quarters of 2026, up 10.8 percent year-on-year. Actual inflows increased 30.6 percent year-on-year to $14.9 billion. Despite continued uncertainty in the investment environment, including prolonged tensions in the Middle East, foreign investment has continued to flow into promising sectors, underpinned by confidence in Korea’s economic fundamentals. In particular, significant foreign investment has continued to flow into advanced industries such as semiconductor materials, parts and equipment and AI data centers, supported by Korea’s semiconductor and other industrial supply chains and its AI ecosystem. Analysis also indicates that investment is expanding in clean energy, including offshore wind. Investment Notifications Investment notifications reached $22.9 billion in the first three quarters of 2026, up 10.8 percent year-on-year. This was the third-highest January–September total on record, suggesting that the upward momentum in foreign investment has continued. By type, greenfield investment notifications for new or expanded factories and business sites totaled $18.5 billion, up 4.0 percent year-on-year. After falling 19.8 percent in the first quarter, cumulative greenfield investment growth turned positive in the third quarter, which is viewed as a meaningful improvement. Meanwhile, M&A investment notifications, including corporate equity acquisitions and mergers, rose 53.1 percent to $4.4 billion, maintaining strong growth. By industry, manufacturing investment notifications fell 34.5 percent year-on-year to $5.7 billion, led by declines in chemicals, down 28.1 percent to $1.8 billion, and electrical and electronic products, down 38.5 percent to $1.8 billion. In contrast, investment in the machinery, equipment, and medical and precision instruments sector and in non-metallic mineral products continued to rise, increasing 145.1 percent to $0.9 billion and 13.0 percent to $0.4 billion, respectively. Services investment notifications rose 27.8 percent year-on-year to $14.2 billion. Investment increased across most sectors, including finance and insurance, up 29.8 percent to $5.4 billion, and real estate, up 72.6 percent to $1.9 billion. In particular, information and communications, including data centers, posted strong growth, rising 35.8 percent to $2.4 billion. Investment notifications in electricity, gas, water supply, environmental remediation, and construction, including clean-energy power generation projects, also increased sharply by 279.5 percent year-on-year to $3.0 billion. By source country, investment notifications from the United States rose 35.1 percent year-on-year to $6.7 billion, with numerous investment projects in promising areas such as semiconductor materials, parts and equipment and data centers. Investment notifications from the European Union remained broadly unchanged from a year earlier at $2.4 billion, down 3.9 percent, while those from Japan and China fell 47.9 percent to $1.9 billion and 39.7 percent to $1.7 billion, respectively. Actual Inflows Actual inflows reached $14.9 billion in the first three quarters of 2026, up 30.6 percent year-on-year and marking the highest January–September total on record. By type, greenfield investment inflows edged down 4.9 percent year-on-year to $7.9 billion, while M&A investment inflows rose 126.0 percent to $7.0 billion, maintaining strong growth. By industry, actual inflows into manufacturing rose 110.6 percent year-on-year to $6.3 billion. Investment in chemicals and non-metallic mineral products continued to grow, rising 256.6 percent to $4.8 billion and 242.5 percent to $0.4 billion, respectively. Pharmaceutical investment also improved, rising 129.0 percent to $0.3 billion as investment flowed into biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Actual inflo date2026-10-07

Inaugural Nuclear Export Leaders Forum

Kang Gam-chan, Deputy Minister for International Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), attended the inaugural Nuclear Export Leaders Forum at the Korea Press Center in Seoul on October 7, 2026. Around 100 nuclear experts and representatives from industry, academia, research institutes, and government attended, including representatives from Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), Doosan Enerbility, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Moojin Keeyeon, Geumhwa Jungsoo, the Korea Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF), and Seoul National University. Participants discussed future tasks for expanding Korea’s nuclear power exports. In his congratulatory remarks, Kang said the recent Korea–U.S. agreement was made possible by the hard work of Korea’s nuclear industry. He expressed hope that the sector would pool its capabilities to expand into global markets and stressed that the government would provide all possible support to usher in a new era of nuclear power exports.   date2026-10-07

Korea and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Business Cooperation in Future Advanced Industries

The 2026 Saudi-Korea Business & Investment Forum, sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), was held in Seoul on October 6, 2026. The forum brought together around 250 business leaders from the two countries to discuss deepening cooperation in infrastructure and energy, as well as expanding cooperation in advanced industries such as electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare and defense. Saudi Arabia is Korea’s largest crude oil supplier and a key economic partner in the Middle East. The forum was held to strengthen the bilateral partnership as Saudi Arabia pursues industrial upgrading and economic diversification under its Vision 2030 national strategy. The forum centered on four areas: advanced industries; telecommunications, media and healthcare; utilities, resources and logistics; and special zone development and construction. Participating companies presented investment proposals and held one-on-one business meetings to explore and discuss practical ways for companies to cooperate. About 20 major Saudi companies attended, including Ceer, Saudi Arabia’s first EV manufacturer; Saudi Telecom Company (STC), the country’s largest telecommunications provider; and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the state-owned defense company. About 90 Korean companies already working with Saudi partners or exploring new opportunities for cooperation also participated and engaged in active discussions. In his congratulatory remarks, Minister for Trade Park Jung-sung said, “The solid trust Korea and Saudi Arabia have built will be the surest way to turn crises into opportunities amid complex challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, the AI revolution and protectionism. We will use the AI transformation as an opportunity to accelerate cooperation in advanced industries, while strengthening the institutional foundation for broader trade and investment between companies in the two countries, including by working toward the swift entry into force of the Korea–GCC FTA.” date2026-10-06

9th Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity

Minister for Trade Park Jung-sung of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) attended the 9th Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity (GFSEC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on September 30, 2026. Trade ministers and senior representatives from 33 countries, including the United States, the EU, Australia and Türkiye, attended the meeting. Minister Park stressed that addressing excess capacity requires adherence to basic principles, including voluntary corporate restructuring and WTO-consistent trade remedies, while strengthening cooperation among GFSEC members to build resilient supply chains. date2026-10-05