Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Defense AI Ecosystem Development Forum

Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), attended the Defense AI Ecosystem Development Forum held on Wednesday, December 3, at the Grand Hyatt Seoul in Yongsan. The event was organized to strengthen government-wide governance for defense AI cooperation and build momentum for major defense AI programs planned for 2026.   The forum was also attended by Ahn Gyu-baek, Minister of National Defense, Bae Kyung-hoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, and Han Seong-sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, along with approximately 500 experts and representatives from AI-related private companies.   Minister Kim emphasized that expanding AX in the defense sector is essential in an era where advanced technologies such as AI shape both security and economic competitiveness, noting MOTIR’s plans to support AI-driven dual-use technology development through M.AX and to advance AX initiatives in cooperation with the military. date2025-12-03

5th Central Asia Policy Forum

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), attended the 5th Central Asia Policy Forum held on Tuesday, December 2, at Lotte Hotel World in Seoul.   The event was attended by more than 50 participants from the government, related organizations and associations, companies operating in Central Asia, and academia. Deputy Minister Park also presented ministerial commendations to three individuals who contributed to advancing Korea–Central Asia trade cooperation.   In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Park emphasized that Central Asia is an essential partner for strengthening Korea’s competitiveness in advanced industries and securing strategic resources. He noted that the Government will build country-specific cooperation models by deepening supply chain partnerships for critical minerals, expanding cooperation in energy and plant projects, and improving the investment environment, adding that the forum marks an important milestone in preparations for next year’s inaugural Korea–Central Asia Summit. date2025-12-03

KATS to Host the International AI Standards Summit With ISO, IEC, and ITU

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 host the 2025 International AI Standards Summit from December 2 to 3 at The Shilla Seoul. The event will be organized in partnership with the world’s three leading international standards bodies—the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). With the rapid progress of AI, issues surrounding human rights violations, AI safety and reliability, and fragmented global standards have emerged as major international challenges. In response, the United Nations established the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Body (AIAB) and tasked it with preparing recommendations for AI governance. In the final report published in September 2024, “Governing AI for Humanity,” AIAB outlined seven key recommendations, including a proposal to convene a global AI standards summit. Following this, ISO, IEC, and ITU agreed to jointly launch the International AI Standards Summit and designated Korea as the host of the inaugural event in October 2024. The summit will bring together senior leadership from the three organizations—ISO President Cho Sung Hwan, IEC President Jo Cops, and ITU Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas—as well as high-ranking representatives from major international bodies. Participants include Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO); Andrew Staines, Assistant Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); and Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe. More than 300 C-suite executives from global companies, including Google, Microsoft, Huawei, and Alibaba, as well as Korean companies such as Samsung, LG, Naver, Kakao, and Hyundai Mobis, will also join discussions on the future of global AI standardization. Held under the theme “Standards Shaping the AI World,” the summit will highlight the central role of international standards in ensuring safe and responsible use of AI across industry, government, and society. Over the two-day program, participants will discuss strategic priorities for international AI standardization, global cooperation models, and approaches to responsible AI governance. At the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok will deliver welcoming remarks, after which ISO, IEC, and ITU will issue the Seoul Statement on Artificial Intelligence—their first collective action to implement the UN’s recommendations. The Statement outlines four principal directions for global AI standardization to establish shared norms for the safe and equitable use of AI. First, AI standards should address not only technical aspects but also the broader impacts of technology on people, society, and the environment. Second, safeguards to protect human rights—particularly against risks such as privacy violations and discrimination—must be strengthened within international AI standards. Third, AI standards must be developed through broad participation from governments, businesses, researchers, and civil society to ensure they become fair and reliable global norms, rather than being shaped by any single country or exclusive group of experts. Fourth, public-private partnerships should expand AI education and training to help narrow AI utilization gaps between countries and societies, enabling all to prepare effectively for the AI era. KATS President Kim Dae-ja noted, “AI standards are more than technical specifications. They are the basis of trust that enables people to use AI safely.” He added, “Building on this summit, the government will make every effort to position Korea as a global hub leading AI standardization. date2025-12-02

MOTIR Explores Ways to Expand Korea–Central Asia Economic Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 5th Central Asia Policy Forum on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Lotte Hotel World in Seoul. The forum was attended by more than 50 representatives from the government, relevant organizations and associations, companies operating in Central Asia, and academia. Central Asia holds significant potential for supply chain cooperation, supported by key resources such as energy and minerals, and serves as a strategic logistics hub for the Eurasian region. Korea and Central Asia also have complementary industrial structures. Against this backdrop, the forum discussed ways to translate these cooperation prospects into tangible outcomes. In his opening remarks, Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at MOTIR, stated that “Central Asia is an essential partner for strengthening Korea’s competitiveness in advanced industries and securing strategic resources.” He added that “the government will develop cooperation models tailored to each country’s needs, with a focus on deepening supply chain partnerships for critical minerals, expanding cooperation in energy and plant projects, and improving the investment environment.” He emphasized that “today’s forum marks an important milestone in preparing for the inaugural Korea–Central Asia Summit in 2026 and will help elevate bilateral cooperation to a new stage.” At the forum, MOTIR presented ministerial commendations to three individuals who contributed to advancing Korea–Central Asia economic and trade cooperation: Lee Dong-eun, Senior Researcher at the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT); Kim Beom-seong, Principal Researcher at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH); and Rukhullo Zikrillaev, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Korea. date2025-12-02

2025 International AI Standards Summit

Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), attended the 2025 International AI Standards Summit held on Tuesday, December 2, at The Shilla Seoul. The event was co-hosted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).   Minister Kim was joined by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok; ISO President Cho Sung-hwan; IEC President Jo Cops; and ITU Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas, as well as Jean-Marie Paugam, WTO Deputy Director General; Andrew Staines, WIPO Assistant Director General; and Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, along with senior officials from international organizations and representatives from leading Korean companies including Samsung, LG, Naver, Kakao, and Hyundai Mobis.   President Kim Dae-ja of the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) noted in his remarks that AI standards are the basis of trust that enables that enables people to use AI safely. He added that Korea will work closely with global partners to strengthen responsible AI governance and to advance cooperation in international AI standardization. date2025-12-02

Meeting with Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of ISED Canada

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, met with Alexandra Dostal, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for the Strategy and Innovation Policy Sector at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), on Monday, December 1, at the reception room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul. The two officials discussed key economic and trade issues between Korea and Canada.   Deputy Minister Park expressed strong regret over Canada’s announcement to tighten TRQ measures and urged their swift withdrawal, noting potential legal concerns and implications for Korean companies’ investments. He also emphasized the two countries’ substantial cooperation potential in sectors such as defense, AI, automobiles, batteries, critical minerals, and energy, and highlighted Korea’s commitment to advancing a reliable and mutually beneficial industrial supply chain with Canada. date2025-12-02

Korea–Serbia Hold First Official CEPA Negotiations

Amid rising global protectionism, supply chain stability and access to emerging markets have become increasingly important for Korean companies. Against this backdrop, the first official round of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Korea and Serbia—an EU candidate country and a growing manufacturing and logistics hub in the Balkan region—will be held in Seoul from Monday, December 1, to Thursday, December 4, 2025. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that more than 60 delegates from both countries will participate in the negotiations. Korea will be represented by Son Ho-young, Acting Director-General for FTA Negotiations, and Serbia by Olivera Jocic, Acting Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Internal and Foreign Trade, who will serve as chief negotiators. During this first round of talks, the two sides will discuss ten areas, including tariff concessions, rules of origin, customs procedures, and economic cooperation. Following the September 2024 declaration launching the negotiations, the two governments conducted prior consultations to align the structure of the agreement and the scope of key issues. This round is expected to deliver substantive progress, including determining the level and extent of market opening. Acting Director-General Son stated, “Serbia is a strategic gateway linking markets adjacent to the EU with the Balkan region. With more Korean companies entering Serbia in areas such as electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy, the Korea⁠–Serbia CEPA will greatly enhance market access and mitigate supply chain risks for Korean businesses.” He added, “The government will pursue swift and substantive progress in the negotiations.” date2025-12-01

Korea and Canada Discuss Economic and Trade Issues, Including Canada’s Steel TRQ Measures

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), met with Alexandra Dostal, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for the Strategy and Innovation Policy Sector at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), in Seoul on Monday, December 1, 2025. The two officials discussed key economic and trade issues between Korea and Canada. Deputy Minister Park expressed strong regret over Canada’s announcement on November 26, 2025, to tighten its steel tariff rate quota (TRQ) regime. Under this measure, Canada will reduce the steel import quota allocated to its FTA partners, including Korea, from 100 percent to 75 percent of their 2024 import volumes and impose a 25 percent tariff on steel derivative products. He urged Canada to withdraw the measure promptly. Deputy Minister Park stressed that “these measures could violate trade laws and run counter to the spirit of the Ottawa Group, which Canada leads as a champion of the rules-based multilateral trading system.” He further noted that the measures could have serious implications for Korean companies’ ongoing or planned investments in Canada, and requested that Canada avoid actions that could undermine opportunities for potential economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries. Deputy Minister Park also noted the substantial cooperation potential between Korea and Canada across multiple sectors—including defense, AI, automobiles, batteries, critical minerals, and energy—and that Korean businesses have been shortlisted for Canada’s submarine procurement project. He expressed hope that the two countries will continue to strengthen a reliable and mutually beneficial industrial supply chain, given their long-standing roles as leading defenders of the rules-based trading system. date2025-12-01

Korea’s Exports Hit Record High in November

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced on December 1 that Korea’s exports in November 2025 rose 8.4 percent year-on-year to USD 61.0 billion, the highest on record for November and marking the sixth consecutive month of growth, while imports increased 1.2 percent to $51.3 billion. The trade balance posted a surplus of $9.7 billion. Cumulative exports for January–November reached $640.2 billion, setting a new record for the period for the first time in three years. On a daily average basis, exports came to $2.7 billion, up 13.3 percent year-on-year and the highest November level on record. By item, six of Korea’s 15 major export categories posted growth. Semiconductor exports jumped 38.6 percent to $17.3 billion, an all-time monthly high, driven by strong data-center demand for high-value memory and rising memory prices. Automobile exports rose 13.7 percent to $6.4 billion on strong sales of hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. Exports of wireless communication devices increased 1.6 percent to $1.7 billion, supported by higher shipments of mobile phone components. Secondary battery exports rose 2.2 percent to $670 million, driven by ESS demand. In contrast, petroleum products exports fell 10.3 percent to $3.3 billion due to reduced shipments, while petrochemical exports declined 14.1 percent to $3.1 billion amid continued downward price pressure from global oversupply. By region, exports increased in five of Korea’s nine major markets. Exports to the United States were broadly flat, edging down 0.2 percent to $10.4 billion, as robust semiconductor and automobile shipments were offset by weaker exports of steel, general machinery, and auto parts amid tariff-related pressures. Exports to China rose 6.9 percent to $12.1 billion, supported by semiconductors, petroleum products, and general machinery, and remained above $11.0 billion for the third straight month. Exports to ASEAN increased 6.3 percent to $10.4 billion on semiconductor demand, while exports to the Middle East, CIS countries, and India also posted solid gains. Exports to the EU, Japan, and Latin America, however, declined across the board. MOTIR Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim stated, “Korea’s exports continued their upward trajectory for the sixth consecutive month in November, a meaningful achievement that reflects the ability of Korean companies to turn challenges into opportunities, especially at a time when expanding global protectionism, including U.S. tariffs, is weighing on export conditions.” He added, “With the November 26 introduction of the Special Act for Korea–U.S. Strategic Investment Management, tariff-reduction requirements for automobile and parts makers have now been met, easing uncertainty over shipments to the U.S. market. The government will strengthen policy support to ensure Korea’s exports maintain their growth momentum into December and continue to play a central role in driving economic recovery and growth.” date2025-12-01

K-Battery to Power Korea’s Future Industries

The government convened the 8th National High-Tech Strategic Industry Committee on Friday, November 28, 2025, chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, to discuss plans to strengthen Korea’s rechargeable battery competitiveness, designate new strategic industry clusters, and expand the list of national high-tech strategic technologies. To reinforce Korea’s position amid the EV slowdown and China’s growing competitiveness, the government presented measures to secure leadership in next-generation battery technologies, strengthen supply chains for key materials and minerals, and stimulate domestic demand to maintain a strong production base. The government will also initiate procedures to designate new specialized zones for rechargeable batteries, humanoid robotics, and advanced aviation engines, with a public call planned for December 2025. It will also identify new national high-tech strategic technologies in areas such as nuclear energy, future mobility, and artificial intelligence. A demand survey will begin later in December, followed by review and approval by the National High-Tech Strategic Industry Committee. Prime Minister Kim emphasized that Korea stands at a critical crossroads as the United States and China intensify their competition for technological supremacy. He pledged full government support to maintain technological leadership through the AI-driven M.AX (manufacturing transformation), the expansion of mother factories, next-generation battery technology development, and strengthened critical-mineral security. date2025-12-01