Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

ICT Exports Post Record Annual Performance in 2025

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 January 15, 2026, that Korea’s ICT exports in 2025 totaled USD 264.3 billion, up 12.4 percent from a year earlier. Imports rose 5.8 percent year-on-year to $151.3 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $113.0 billion. Annual ICT exports reached an all-time high, as the global expansion of AI data centers boosted demand for semiconductors and solid-state drives (SSDs), despite continued uncertainties in the global trade environment. By product, exports of semiconductors rose 22.1 percent year-on-year, while computers and peripherals increased 3.8 percent and communication equipment climbed 3.9 percent. By contrast, display exports declined 9.5 percent, and mobile phone exports edged down 0.5 percent. Semiconductor exports reached a record high, supported by expanding demand for high-value memory products and sustained price increases for general-purpose semiconductors, including DRAM. Exports of computers and peripherals increased on strong demand for SSDs shipped to China (including Hong Kong), the Netherlands, and Taiwan. Communication equipment exports rebounded for the first time in three years, driven by double-digit growth in shipments to the United States and solid demand from India and Mexico. Display exports declined as falling unit prices and weaker downstream demand for LCD products outweighed increased adoption of OLED displays in IT devices. Meanwhile, mobile phone exports edged down as subdued demand for components offset a recovery in global smartphone demand. By destination, exports increased to Taiwan (up 64.8 percent), Vietnam (up 14.5 percent), India (up 11.3 percent), the European Union (up 10.2 percent), the United States (up 9.8 percent), and Japan (up 5.5 percent), while exports to China, including Hong Kong, declined 0.9 percent. In December 2025, Korea’s ICT exports and imports amounted to $30.0 billion and $14.9 billion, respectively, and the trade balance posted a surplus of $15.1 billion. ICT exports extended their upward trend for 11 consecutive months since February 2025, recording an all-time monthly high. For the first time on a monthly basis, ICT exports surpassed the $30 billion mark. Semiconductor exports, as well as exports of computers and peripherals, also reached record highs, underscoring strong export momentum toward year-end. date2026-01-15

Korea and the Netherlands Strengthen Cooperation on Semiconductor and Quantum Technologies Amid Global Tech Competition

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 4th Korea–Netherlands Joint Committee on Innovation with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in The Hague. Since 2016, the two countries have advanced technological cooperation through the Eureka Network—the world’s largest intergovernmental network supporting international R&D and innovation, spanning 48 countries—with efforts led by their respective R&D agencies, the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Since 2019, the two sides have also convened the Joint Committee on Innovation every two years at the director-general level. At this year’s meeting, Choi Yeon-woo, Director General for Industrial Technology Convergence Policy at MOTIR, and Tjerk Opmeer, Director General for Business and Innovation at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, headed their respective delegations.  The two sides acknowledged each other’s strong technological competitiveness in semiconductors and quantum technologies, underscoring the policy importance of these fields. Building on this shared understanding, the two sides signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to strengthen cooperation in these priority areas. The two sides also agreed to expand international cooperation to include advanced strategic technologies. In this context, the meeting is expected to further reinforce the foundation for a joint response to global supply chain restructuring. Director General Choi noted that “Korea and the Netherlands have steadily expanded industrial technology cooperation over the past decade,” adding that “this Joint Committee will build on those achievements and chart a shared course for the decade ahead.” He further emphasized that “MOTIR will continue to support international cooperation in industrial technology, to create new growth opportunities for companies and research institutions in both countries, as we jointly respond to intensifying global technology competition.” date2026-01-15

Joint Press Release on the Substantive Conclusion of Discussions for the Republic of Peru’s Accession to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement

The Parties to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) are pleased to announce the substantive conclusion of discussions for the Republic of Peru’s accession to this world-leading digital trade agreement. Digitally signed in 2020 by Chile, New Zealand and Singapore, the DEPA is the world’s first standalone digital economy agreement and represents a forward-looking model for economic engagement and trade in the digital era. The Agreement reinforces commercially meaningful digital trade rules, fosters new approaches and collaborations in digital trade, promotes interoperability across different regulatory frameworks, and addresses emerging challenges arising from digitalisation. Designed as an open and inclusive framework, the DEPA is open to economies that are able to meet its high standards. The Republic of Korea joined the DEPA on 3 May 2024 as the first new member economy. Peru formally requested accession to the DEPA on 23 May 2023, and an Accession Working Group was established on 7 November 2024 to assess the request. Following a comprehensive assessment, the Accession Working Group, chaired by the Republic of Korea, agreed that, based on Peru’s existing legal framework, policies and practices, Peru has demonstrated its capacity to comply with the DEPA’s provisions. Peru has also shown a strong commitment to engaging constructively with DEPA Parties on areas of shared interest, including digital trade facilitation, consumer protection and cross-border data flows. The DEPA Parties will now continue to work with Peru to advance the remaining steps of the accession process in a timely manner, consistent with each Party’s domestic procedures and the DEPA Accession Process. Chile’s Vice Minister of International Economic Relations Claudia Sanhueza said, “Chile and Peru share a long history of economic integration and forward-looking trade cooperation. In this context, Chile warmly welcomes the substantive conclusion of discussions for Peru’s accession to the DEPA, a step that strengthens our joint commitment to building a high-quality regulatory framework that promotes digital trade. This milestone deepens our shared vision for a modern and inclusive digital economy and opens new opportunities for regional cooperation and innovation.” New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay said, “New Zealand is pleased to join Parties in inviting Peru to accede to the DEPA. Throughout the process, Peru has demonstrated that it shares our commitment to progressive, high-quality digital trade rules and the DEPA’s vision. Peru’s accession will strengthen DEPA as a leading high standards digital economy agreement and we look forward to working closely with them to advance its objectives.” Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said, “Singapore warmly welcomes the substantive conclusion of Peru’s accession negotiations to the DEPA. This marks another important milestone for the DEPA. The expansion of the DEPA’s membership will unlock more opportunities and add further weight to the DEPA’s ambition to foster more open digital markets. We look forward to partnerships with Peru through the DEPA to expand and enhance collaborations in digital trade. We are hopeful that the DEPA will continue to attract like-minded partners who share our vision in digital economy cooperation.” The Republic of Korea’s Minister for Trade Yeo Han-Koo said, “We welcome the substantial conclusion of Peru’s accession negotiations to Digital Economy Partnership Agreement. Peru is an important partner that shares DEPA’s vision of an open and inclusive digital trade order. Peru’s accession represents a meaningful step forward in advancing the DEPA as a global platform for digital trade cooperation date2026-01-14

Korea’s Trade Minister to Meet with U.S. Officials, Members of Congress, and Industry Leaders to Discuss Key Korea–U.S. Trade Issues

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) will visit Washington, D.C., January 11–14, 2026 (local time), to meet with key stakeholders—including the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), relevant U.S. government agencies, members of Congress, and industry representatives—and discuss Korea–U.S. trade issues. The visit comes as the U.S. Supreme Court considers the legality of reciprocal tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). During the trip, Trade Minister Yeo will closely track developments and consult with relevant agencies and industry to explore response options to minimize potential impacts on businesses. Trade Minister Yeo will also hear concerns from members of Congress and industry stakeholders regarding Korea’s domestic digital legislation, while underscoring that it is neither discriminatory toward U.S. companies nor intended to create unnecessary barriers. In meetings with the USTR, Trade Minister Yeo will review progress on preparations for the Korea–U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Joint Committee and coordinate details, including the agenda and schedule. Trade Minister Yeo emphasized, “As Korea moves forward with legislation in areas such as digital policy, it is important to maintain a stable Korea–U.S. trade environment through thorough stakeholder consultations and close coordination among relevant ministries. date2026-01-12

MOTIR Minister Encourages U.S. Companies to Expand Investment in Korea

Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim held a meeting with members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), including U.S. foreign-invested companies operating in Korea, on Friday afternoon, January 9, 2026, at the Mugunghwa Hall of the Government Complex Seoul. The meeting was arranged at AMCHAM’s request amid the signing of a memorandum of understanding on strategic investment between Korea and the United States in November last year and the subsequent proposal of the Special Act for Korea–U.S. Strategic Investment Management. Discussions focused on gathering feedback and hearing about the challenges faced by U.S. foreign-invested companies operating in Korea, as well as on strengthening communication to better support their investment activities. During the meeting, Minister Kim expressed his appreciation for the fact that U.S. investment in Korea reached a record high last year, noting that the increase comes at a time when Korean firms are also expanding investment in the U.S. following the conclusion of bilateral tariff negotiations. He assessed that this trend reflects the mutually beneficial development of investment cooperation between the two countries. The meeting was attended by James Kim, Chairman and CEO of AMCHAM Korea, along with representatives of major American companies investing in Korea. Participants shared their views on issues such as Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations on individual products and foreign investment incentive schemes. Minister Kim stated, “The government will reflect feedback from AMCHAM member companies in its policies, while continuing to create a more predictable and stable investment environment for foreign-invested companies.” Looking ahead to 2026, Minister Kim expressed hope that bilateral cooperation would further deepen in advanced and future-oriented industries, and encouraged U.S. companies to continue expanding their investment in Korea. MOTIR plans to carefully review the suggestions raised at the meeting and maintain close communication with key foreign-invested companies. date2026-01-12

UK Export Benefits to See Major Changes: MOTIR Briefs Industry on Outcomes of Korea–UK FTA Upgrade

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held an industry briefing on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Lotte Hotel Seoul to explain the outcomes of the Korea–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) upgrade negotiations concluded on December 15, 2025. The briefing was attended by Kwon Hye-jin, Director General for Trade Negotiations at MOTIR, along with representatives from export-related institutions—including the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA)—and major companies from the manufacturing and services sectors. The event highlighted the practical benefits of the upgraded Korea–UK FTA, which reflects changes in the trade environment following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit). The program featured two sessions: one covering achievements in manufacturing and investment, and another focusing on outcomes in the services sector. In addition to gains in traditional manufacturing industries such as automobiles, the briefing underscored key services and investment-related achievements, including eased entry for Korean professionals into the UK, market access for webtoons and online games, and efforts to promote a co-production agreement in the audiovisual services sector. These outcomes are expected to enhance FTA utilization by Korean service companies and expand their access to the UK market. Director General Kwon stated, “More important than concluding an FTA is ensuring that companies can effectively utilize it in practice,” adding that “the government will continue to engage closely with industry and focus policy efforts on supporting and expanding Korean companies’ presence in the UK market.” MOTIR also plans to expedite follow-up procedures required for the agreement’s entry into force, including legal reviews and the Korean translation of the agreement text, to ensure that industry can benefit from the outcomes of the negotiations as early as possible. date2026-01-09

EU CBAM Enters Full Implementation; Government and Industry Coordinate Response

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) convened a meeting with industry stakeholders on the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on January 8, 2026, at the Korea Iron & Steel Association. On this occasion, MOTIR and the steel industry reviewed the implications of the CBAM’s full implementation and discussed future response strategies. The CBAM entered into full force on January 1, 2026, under which carbon costs will be levied on importers of covered products entering the EU market. The EU completed legislative amendments aimed at simplifying the CBAM in October last year and, in December, enacted or revised nine secondary regulations, including methodologies for calculating carbon emissions. The remaining secondary regulations, which cover issues such as carbon prices paid in third countries, are expected to be released in the first half of this year. Major domestic steelmakers attending the meeting noted that they had established compliance systems in advance during the transitional period and therefore expected to navigate regulatory changes following the CBAM’s full entry into force. They also assessed that the EU’s recent announcements on secondary regulations have helped reduce uncertainty and highlighted that verification can now be conducted through EU-accredited domestic verifiers. At the same time, the industry called for continued intergovernmental cooperation to ensure that Korea’s industrial characteristics are duly reflected in addressing remaining ambiguities. Lee Jae-keun, Director General for New Trade Strategy and Policy at MOTIR, stated, “As the EU plans to pursue further legislative amendments through the end of this year, MOTIR will continue working with the EU to reflect the characteristics of Korean industries.” He added, “The government will communicate with EU authorities on implementation-related uncertainties and promptly provide guidance to industry.” MOTIR will pursue additional consultations with the EU based on the industry feedback gathered at the meeting and, in cooperation with relevant ministries, develop support measures in response to the CBAM’s full implementation. date2026-01-08

Korea’s Annual Foreign Direct Investment Hits All-Time High of $36.1 Billion

Korea’s annual foreign direct investment (FDI) on a notification basis reached USD 36.1 billion in 2025, up 4.3 percent year-on-year and marking an all-time high. Actual inflows also increased 16.3 percent year-on-year to $18.0 billion, the third-highest figure on record. Despite a steep decline in investment during the first half of 2025 (down 14.6 percent), overall investor sentiment recovered following the launch of the new administration, which helped restore confidence in Korea’s economy and industries and reduce uncertainty. In particular, the government’s strong policy drive in artificial intelligence (AI), combined with proactive investment promotion efforts surrounding the Gyeongju APEC Summit, proved effective. In addition to quantitative growth, the quality of investment also improved. Greenfield investment, which has a strong impact on regional economic revitalization and job creation, reached its highest level to date. High-quality investments linked to advanced industries such as AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology also expanded, supporting expectations that these inflows will contribute significantly to the development of Korea’s economy and industries. By type, greenfield investment notifications rose 7.1 percent year-on-year to $28.6 billion, the highest level on record. M&A investment totaled $7.5 billion, down 5.1 percent from the previous year; however, the pace of decline narrowed significantly after a sharp drop of 54.0 percent in the third quarter. By industry, manufacturing investment increased 8.8 percent year-on-year to $15.8 billion, led by notable investment in key materials for advanced industries, reflecting efforts to strengthen supply chains amid external uncertainty. Investment rose sharply in chemicals (up 99.5 percent to $5.8 billion) and metals (up 272.2 percent to $2.7 billion), while declines were recorded in electrical and electronics (down 31.6 percent to $3.6 billion), as well as machinery and medical precision equipment (down 63.7 percent to $0.9 billion). Services investment also expanded, rising 6.8 percent year-on-year to $19.1 billion, supported by increased investment in AI data centers and online platforms. Growth was concentrated in distribution (up 71.0 percent to $2.9 billion), information and communications (up 9.2 percent to $2.3 billion), and research and development, professional, and scientific services (up 43.6 percent to $2.0 billion), while finance and insurance recorded a decline (down 10.6 percent to $7.5 billion). By source country, investment from the United States expanded mainly in metals, distribution, and information and communications, reaching $9.8 billion, up 86.6 percent year-on-year. Investment from the European Union increased to $6.9 billion (up 35.7 percent), driven largely by chemicals and distribution. In contrast, investment from Japan declined 28.1 percent to $4.4 billion, while investment from China fell 38.0 percent to $3.6 billion. Building on the momentum from last year’s strong performance, MOTIR will expand incentives for foreign investment linked to regional development in 2026, actively identify and improve unreasonable regulations affecting foreign-invested companies, and continue efforts to create a more predictable and stable investment environment. date2026-01-07