Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

The government launched a public–private “K-Export One-Team” initiative to sustain export momentum amid heightened uncertainty in the global trade environment. The initiative follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that limited executive authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as well as the U.S. administration’s announcement of additional tariff measures.

On February 25, 2026, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the first Public–Private Export Expansion Meeting and announced the 2026 All-Government Export Promotion Plan—which targets USD 740.0 billion in exports in 2026—and the Trade Finance Innovation Plan for “Exports for All.” The meeting brought together major business associations, industry-leading companies, and heads of export support agencies to discuss next steps to sustain export momentum.

In his opening remarks, Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim noted increasing uncertainty in Korea’s export conditions, adding, “We will turn this crisis into an opportunity through proactive export diversification.” He said, “The government will adapt to global trends such as the Korean Wave, AI, and population aging, and step up summit diplomacy and trade cooperation to focus support on eight priority export categories, including consumer goods and defense.” He added, “The government will expand the export base by supporting regional companies and smaller firms as they enter export markets and by building a step-by-step ladder for promising SMEs to grow into leading exporters.”

MOTIR will provide a record KRW 275.0 trillion in trade insurance in 2026. Minister Kim emphasized that the ministry will expand inclusive trade finance for SMEs, mid-sized firms, and regional companies to address financing gaps. He stated, “We will also strengthen tailored support to boost exports and secure overseas contracts in promising industries such as K-consumer goods and defense.”

At the meeting, Hana Bank (CEO Lee Ho-sung) and the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE, President Jang Young-jin) signed an MOU to provide KRW 5.0 trillion in preferential financing for exporting SMEs and mid-sized firms. The two institutions will strengthen cooperation on trade finance support, including raising mid- to long-term insurance limits for partner companies joining overseas joint expansion projects and sharing credit information on overseas buyers.