Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

MOTIR Reviews Request for Additional Designation of Ganghwa Southern District in Incheon Free Economic Zone

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 146th Free Economic Zone (FEZ) Committee on Monday, December 15, 2025. At the meeting, MOTIR reported on a request to designate the Ganghwa Southern District as an additional zone within the Incheon FEZ, and the Committee approved an amendment to the development plan for the Sindae Hinterland Complex in the Gwangyang Bay Area FEZ, including an extension of the project period. Under the Special Act on Designation and Management of Free Economic Zones, local governments seeking free economic zone designation are required to submit a development plan to MOTIR. The ministry then reports the request to the FEZ Committee and, following consultations with relevant ministries and expert evaluations, makes a final determination through the Committee’s deliberation and resolution. Incheon plans to develop the Ganghwa Southern District into a global advanced industrial city integrating future technologies with regional resources. The plan will leverage local agri-food and marine specialties, along with the area’s cultural and natural assets and international airport infrastructure, to foster new growth engines in advanced industries and cultural tourism—including bio, physical AI, and integrated tourism—while establishing a strategic base to respond to the reorganization of global supply chains. The proposed amendment to the development plan for the Sindae Hinterland Complex extends the project period through 2026 to ensure smooth implementation of follow-up projects and adjusts the project area to reflect finalized land survey results. Je Kyung-hee, Director-General of the Free Economic Zone Planning Office, stated, “The Committee will actively reflect the views of local governments and, in close consultation with experts and relevant ministries, create tailored development strategies to position free economic zones as key hubs for foreign investment attraction and regional development." date2025-12-16

K-Trade Opens New Pathways

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) held the 62nd Trade Day Ceremony at COEX in Seoul on Thursday, December 4, 2025, with around 1,000 attendees, including trade-merit honorees and leaders from government ministries and related institutions. 2025 Export Performance and Evaluation Despite numerous challenges, Korea’s exports are on track to reach an all-time high, recording USD 640.2 billion from January to November 2025. Since the launch of the new administration, exports have recorded six consecutive months of growth as uncertainties eased, reflecting a positive “slow start, strong finish” trajectory. Korea’s export growth this year has been driven by strong competitiveness in key manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors, automobiles, ships, and bio-related industries. K-consumer goods, including K-food and beauty products, as well as defense exports, have also performed strongly amid the global spread of Korean culture. Export destinations have diversified beyond the traditionally concentrated U.S. and Chinese markets, expanding into ASEAN, the EU, and other regions. The export base has also broadened, with the number of exporting SMEs reaching 89,000 cumulatively in the first three quarters—an all-time high—and SME export value rising to USD 87.1 billion, also marking a record high. Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim stated, “This year’s achievements were made possible by the combination of our industrial competitiveness and strong export commitment, symbolizing the resilience and robustness of our economy and export sector.” He added, “Going forward, we will strive not only to surpass the all-time export record but also to open new pathways for Korean trade through industrial innovation and K-culture—and to ensure that the benefits of export growth extend to SMEs, local communities, and workers across the country.” 62nd Trade Day Ceremony and Awards Held under the slogan “K-Trade Opens New Pathways,” the 62nd Trade Day Ceremony included an opening video, welcome remarks by the KITA Chairman, a theme video, the awards ceremony, congratulatory remarks by the Prime Minister, and a commemorative program. This year, 598 individuals received government commendations, and 1,689 companies were awarded Export Towers in recognition of their contributions to Korea’s export growth. To honor the exceptional contributions of trade professionals in achieving record-high export performance amid global uncertainty—the government awarded one additional Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit—following last year’s expansion of the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit. Government commendations and Export Towers were also presented on-site to individuals and companies who excelled in developing new markets and expanding Korea’s export base. This year’s award-winning companies showcased several notable trends: First, companies in core industries such as semiconductors and automobiles demonstrated sustained resilience amid challenging conditions. The Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit was awarded to a semiconductor inspection equipment manufacturer expanding exports through strong technological capabilities and rising AI chip demand, as well as to an automaker diversifying its export market through manufacturing innovation and competitive product quality. The highest honor—the USD 35 billion Export Tower—was awarded to a leading HBM semiconductor company. Second, shipbuilding and defense companies posted significant growth, further broadening Korea’s export portfolio. Major Export Towers (USD 4 billion and USD 600 million) were awarded to shipbuilders advancing the transition to eco-friendly vessels, and a Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit date2025-12-16

2025 Korea–Africa Trade and Industry Cooperation Forum

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), attended the “2025 Korea–Africa Trade and Industry Cooperation Forum” held on Monday, December 15, at Koreana Hotel in Seoul.   The forum brought together around 100 participants, including Kim Young-chae, President of the Korea–Africa Foundation; Chafik Rachadi, Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea (AGA) and Ambassador of Morocco to Korea; ambassadors from 12 African countries; and representatives from industry.   Deputy Minister Park emphasized that “cooperation between Korea and Africa is a wise choice that can turn crises into opportunities and enable shared growth amid challenges in the global trade environment.” He added that “the government will actively pursue trade agreements with African countries while deepening cooperation in critical minerals and manufacturing supply chains, and also expand infrastructure cooperation in line with local demand in Africa.” date2025-12-16

Korea and African Countries Discuss Ways to Expand Trade and Industry Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the “2025 Korea–Africa Trade and Industry Cooperation Forum” on Monday, December 15, 2025, in Seoul. Approximately 100 participants attended the forum, including Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade; Kim Young-chae, President of the Korea–Africa Foundation (KAF); Chafik Rachadi, Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea (AGA) and Ambassador of Morocco to Korea; ambassadors from 12 African countries; and representatives from industry and academia. The forum reviewed the outcomes of economic cooperation with Africa—an emerging hub for production, logistics, and resource supply chains, supported by its young population and abundant resources. Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global trade environment marked by growing protectionism and supply chain restructuring, participants discussed ways to strengthen momentum for future collaboration. They also assessed the results of a series of economic cooperation events held by MOTIR and KOTRA across major African countries in November 2025, in connection with the first-ever G20 Summit hosted on the African continent, and discussed ways to advance concrete cooperation measures. In his welcome remarks, Deputy Minister Park emphasized that “cooperation between Korea and Africa is a wise choice that can turn crises into opportunities and promote shared growth amid challenges in the global trade environment.” He added that “the government will actively pursue trade agreements with African countries, strengthen cooperation in critical minerals and manufacturing supply chains, and expand infrastructure partnerships in line with local demand in Africa.” At the forum, MOTIR presented Ministerial Commendations to two individuals in recognition of their contributions to trade cooperation with the Middle East and Africa: Kang Munsu, Associate Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), and Lee So-won, Team Leader at the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI). date2025-12-15

Meeting with the Minister of Commerce of China

JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), met with Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce of China, at the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing on Friday, December 12. The meeting was attended by government delegations from both countries.   During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation, including follow-up measures to the agreements reached at the Korea–China summit held during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Korea on November 1. date2025-12-15

Minister Kim Meets with Korean Companies Operating in Beijing

JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), held a roundtable with Korean companies operating in Beijing on Thursday, December 11.   The meeting was attended by representatives from Korean companies and related organizations in China, including Samsung, SK, LG Chem, POSCO China, and Doosan Enerbility.   After delivering opening remarks, Minister Kim listened to policy suggestions and discussed challenges and proposals raised by participating companies regarding economic, trade, and industrial issues. date2025-12-15

Minister Kim Visits the Xiaomi Electric Vehicle Plant in Beijing

JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), visited the Xiaomi electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Beijing, China, on Thursday, December 11. During the visit, Minister Kim toured the electric vehicle production process at the facility.   Following the tour, Minister Kim held a meeting with company officials to discuss the electric vehicle industry’s R&D trends and business environment. date2025-12-15

MOTIR and China’s Ministry of Commerce Hold Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Beijing After Seven-Year Hiatus

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) visited Beijing from Thursday, December 11 to Friday, December 12, 2025, to hold a Korea–China Trade Ministers’ Meeting with Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce of China. The meeting marked the first standalone bilateral trade ministers’ meeting in seven years, following the previous meeting held in Beijing in June 2018, and took place just over a month after the two sides met on November 1, 2025, in Gyeongju on the margins of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.  At the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation, including follow-up measures to the agreements reached at the Korea–China summit held during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Korea on November 1, 2025. Minister Kim and Minister Wang shared the view that close inter-ministerial communication should be maintained to sustain the momentum toward restoring bilateral relations and to deliver tangible outcomes that contribute to the recovery of people’s livelihoods. As bilateral trade has remained stagnant since reaching a record USD 310.4 billion in 2022, the two sides agreed to expand trade and promote mutual investment, including through regular ministerial-level exchanges to advance substantive discussions. Recognizing that bilateral trade has largely focused on goods, they agreed to expand service trade based on the “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Strengthening Service Trade Cooperation” signed on the margins of the recent summit. The two sides also agreed to convene the Korea–China FTA Joint Committee at an early date to review the implementation of the FTA and identify ways to enhance its effectiveness, as well as to accelerate negotiations on the Korea–China FTA covering services and investment.   Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to revitalize regional economies. Korea agreed to continue cooperation with Chinese provincial governments, including Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Shandong, while expanding collaboration to central and inland regions. China agreed to jointly develop new models for regional cooperation, including the dispatch of investment survey missions to areas such as Saemangeum. They also agreed to leverage existing consultation channels, including the vice-ministerial Korea–China Industrial Complex Consultation, to explore ways to strengthen investment cooperation through Korea–China industrial cooperation complexes. Noting the close interlinkages between the two countries’ supply chains, the ministers agreed to maintain close communication to facilitate the smooth supply of key items, including rare earths. They also agreed to support stable trade in critical minerals through the active use of the general licensing system, based on the Korea–China export controls dialogue. Korea conveyed its position on trade remedy investigations involving Chinese hot-rolled steel products, noting that they are being conducted fairly and transparently in accordance with WTO rules. Both sides agreed on the need to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings arising from trade remedy measures and to enhance prior communication through regular director-general-level meetings.   The two sides reaffirmed the importance of a WTO-centered, rules-based multilateral trading system and agreed to continue cooperation under regional frameworks including APEC and RCEP. Korea also agreed to support China’s successful hosting of APEC next year by sharing its experience as a former host economy. Following the meeting, the two sides signed a document titled “Key Cooperation Matters between Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and China’s Ministry of Commerce.” Based on this framework, the two ministries will work to ensure smooth date2025-12-15

Korea’s ICT Exports Reach All-Time High in November

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and the Ministry of Science and ICT announced on December 15 that Korea’s exports of ICT goods in November 2025 rose 24.3 percent year-on-year to USD 25.5 billion. Imports increased by 2.7 percent to $12.8 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $12.7 billion. Amid a recovery in global demand for ICT devices, ICT exports rose for the tenth consecutive month on a year-on-year basis in November, reaching an all-time high. The trade balance also posted the largest surplus on record, in line with the strong growth in exports. By product, exports of semiconductors (up 38.6 percent), mobile phones (up 3.5 percent), computers/peripherals (up 1.9 percent), and communication equipment (up 3.3 percent) increased, while display exports declined (down 3.7 percent). Semiconductor exports reached a record high, supported by continued increases in fixed memory semiconductor prices and strong demand for high-value products. Mobile phone exports rose on robust demand for high-performance components, including camera modules and 3D sensing modules. Exports of computers and peripherals returned to growth on strong SSD demand as investment in AI servers expanded.   Communication equipment exports increased thanks to recovering demand for automotive equipment in the United States and for components in Vietnam. By contrast, display exports declined, as falling LCD prices and weaker downstream demand outweighed a rebound in OLED exports. By destination, exports to India fell 8.9 percent, while exports to China, including Hong Kong (up 25.3 percent), Vietnam (up 11.6 percent), the European Union (up 18.1 percent), the United States (up 7.9 percent), and Taiwan (up 32.2 percent) all increased. Exports to Japan also rose 18.0 percent, returning to growth on higher shipments of semiconductors and computers and peripherals. ICT imports amounted to $12.8 billion in November, up 2.7 percent year-on-year, driven by increases in mobile phones, including components (up 26.9 percent), computers/peripherals (up 11.2 percent), and communication equipment (up 21.5 percent). In particular, strong demand for newly released products from major global manufacturers, launched in September, led to higher imports of finished mobile phones. By contrast, imports of semiconductors (down 3.3 percent) and displays (down 0.7 percent) declined. date2025-12-15

Roundtable with the Seoul Japan Club (SJC) and Japanese-Invested Companies

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim) attended the roundtable with the Seoul Japan Club (SJC) and Japanese-invested companies held at the Korea Press Center on Thursday, December 11.   The meeting brought together SJC Chairman and President of Mitsubishi Corporation Korea Matsuura Tetsuya, representatives of major Japanese investors, and officials from relevant organizations, including the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Korea.   In his remarks, Trade Minister Yeo highlighted that Japan has become one of Korea’s largest foreign investors despite global trade uncertainties. He underscored the need to strengthen cooperation with Japan in advanced industries—including AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and new energy—to ensure that Japan’s investment in Korea leads to strengthened bilateral supply chains. date2025-12-12