Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) convened the 52nd Trade Promotion Committee on Wednesday, December 10, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul. Chaired by Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, the meeting brought together relevant ministries to share plans for upcoming Korea–U.S. FTA Joint Committee, assess progress on the Korea–UK FTA upgrade negotiations, and examine key trade issues involving the EU, Mexico, and Canada, as well as recent developments related to the U.S. IEEPA lawsuit.

The government aims to convene the Korea–U.S. FTA Joint Committee within the year based on the Korea–U.S. Joint Fact Sheet (JFS), which includes its commitments on the automobiles, agriculture, and digital trade. MOTIR will work closely with relevant ministries to ensure thorough preparations and develop concrete implementation measures.

Regarding the Korea–UK FTA upgrade negotiations, the government reaffirmed the commitment made at the G7 Summit in June to seek a conclusion within the year. Ministries will strengthen coordination to resolve remaining issues in the services, investment, and digital sectors.

Participants also exchanged updates on major trade developments—including steel import restrictions by the EU and Canada, Mexico’s tariff announcements, and developments in the U.S. IEEPA lawsuit—and reviewed Korea’s response strategies.

Trade Minister Yeo emphasized that, “Although the Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations have been concluded, stable management of non-tariff issues remains critically important,” and called for “active inter-ministerial cooperation as the government prepares for the Joint Committee.”

He also underscored the government’s commitment to “remain vigilant and pursue proactive response measures as major economies beyond the U.S. expand protectionist measures and global trade conditions remain volatile.