Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

MND, MSIT, MOTIR, and MSS Join Forces to Accelerate AI Transformation (AX) Across Defense and Industry

The Ministry of National Defense (MND, Minister Ahn Gyu-baek) held the inaugural 2025 Defense AI Ecosystem Development Forum at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The event was designed to strengthen cross-government cooperation on defense AI and to build momentum for major defense AI programs planned for 2026, bringing together senior government officials and about 500 representatives from AI-related private companies. The program featured sessions on Korea’s defense AX strategy, mid- to long-term plans for defense–ICT cooperation, MOTIR’s defense AX strategy and support initiatives, support programs for defense-innovation startups, and briefings on defense AI requirements for 2026. Participants discussed future directions and challenges for defense AI and identified areas for practical cooperation. During the forum, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyung-hoon), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS, Minister Han Seong-sook) joined MND in announcing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate AI transformation (AX) across the defense and industrial sectors. Under the MOU, the ministries will leverage sovereign AI foundation models to advance AX innovation; identify defense AI needs; provide testbed opportunities for real-world validation; support access to defense R&D infrastructure; develop core AI technologies and related infrastructure; expand AX utilization across defense, industry, and the public sector; foster AI talent; broaden the application of defense and manufacturing AI technologies within national defense; and discover and scale startups and SMEs in the defense AX domain. As global security conditions evolve amid the rapid adoption of AI—including intelligent command-and-control, unmanned and autonomous systems, and automated defense operations—the agreement brings together the expertise of MSIT, MOTIR, and MSS to promote cohesive and interconnected AX policies across the defense and industrial sectors.  The agreement establishes a cross-agency collaboration across the full AX cycle, from securing core AX technologies and enabling real-world validation in the defense sector to supporting industrial deployment and adoption by startups and SMEs. These efforts are expected to accelerate AX across defense and industry, strengthen defense-industry competitiveness, and support the development of a more advanced and trusted defense force. Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of MOTIR stated, “In an era where advanced technologies such as AI shape both security and economic competitiveness, expanding AX in the defense sector is imperative. Building on the strong trilateral foundation of AI, manufacturing, and defense, MOTIR will identify demand for dual-use AI technologies through M.AX (Manufacturing AX) and provide targeted support. Starting next year, we will advance the AX Sprint Program to help create an AX market in the defense industry, and we will work closely with the military to strengthen real-world validation for AI-embodied next-generation weapons. Through these efforts, MOTIR will actively support the establishment of a robust defense AI ecosystem.” date2025-12-03

Korea and France Discuss Trade Issues and Industrial Cooperation in Critical Minerals and EVs

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) held the 20th Korea–France Industrial Cooperation Committee meeting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in Sejong, chaired by Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade. Deputy Minister Park met with Thomas Courbe, Director General for Enterprises (DGE) at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, to discuss bilateral cooperation in industry and supply chains and to exchange views on key trade issues related to France and the EU. France is Korea’s third-largest trading partner within the EU, with bilateral trade reaching USD 13.7 billion in 2024. Both exports and imports have increased over the past five years, deepening economic ties. Since the 1990s, the two countries have maintained government-level cooperation channels—such as the Industrial Cooperation Committee and the Korea–France Forum on Innovative Industries—while private-sector collaboration has also expanded in advanced industries, including automobiles and batteries. The two sides reviewed policies and recent developments related to bilateral cooperation, critical minerals, electric vehicles, and batteries, and discussed ways to further strengthen collaboration. They underscored the importance of close policy dialogue to enhance competitiveness in advanced industries. The Korean side also conveyed concerns that the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), the EU’s proposed steel import measures, and France’s electric vehicle subsidy scheme could serve as trade barriers between Korea and the EU by protecting domestic industries. Korea emphasized the need for cooperative negotiations with the EU on steel TRQs and to apply a more reasonable methodology for calculating carbon-emission factors under France’s EV subsidy program. MOTIR stated that the meeting provided an opportunity to reinforce Korea–France cooperation and discuss key trade issues in depth. The Ministry added that it will continue engaging with France and the EU through high-level and working-level channels to follow up on the issues discussed. date2025-12-03

MOTIR Reveals Ceramic R&D Roadmap to Strengthen Competitiveness of Key Materials for Advanced Industries

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held a meeting with ceramic companies on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT) under the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). At the meeting, MOTIR revealed the “Ceramic R&D Roadmap,” which aims to enhance the value-added growth in Korea’s ceramic industry and strengthen supply chain stability. The government plans to utilize the Roadmap to systematically support the strategic development of ceramic technologies and the advancement of the industry’s foundation. The Roadmap is structured around four strategic pillars and comprises 46 key tasks across 12 priority fields. These include meeting demand from next-generation leading industries (AI, semiconductors, and displays); enhancing the durability of ceramics (semiconductors, next-generation telecommunications, defense and aviation, and hydrogen technologies); improving reliability for use in energy and eco-friendly sectors (secondary batteries, advanced biotechnology, and future mobility); and upgrading the base of the ceramic industry (refractories, cement, and glass). The Roadmap outlines measures to strengthen both advanced ceramics and traditional ceramic industries to enhance competitiveness across the sector. To facilitate early market entry of newly developed technologies, the government will provide follow-up support, including the establishment of commercialization testbeds and assistance with intellectual property (IP) strategies for global market expansion. For systematic implementation, MOTIR will allocate approximately KRW 100 billion in funding through 2030 by leveraging the Materials, Parts, and Components Technology Development Project, new budget allocations, and contributions to the Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering & Technology. Experts from industry, academia, and research institutes emphasized that “securing core ceramic technologies is fundamental to strengthening industry competitiveness and stabilizing the national supply chain,” adding that “continuous management is needed to ensure that the newly announced R&D Roadmap reflects global trends in a timely manner.” Na Sung-hwa, Director General for Industrial Supply Chain Policy at MOTIR, stated, “This R&D Roadmap marks an important starting point for elevating the competitiveness of the ceramic industry. As global uncertainties continue to grow, technological self-reliance and supply chain stabilization in the ceramic sector are no longer optional, but essential.” She added, “MOTIR will continue to incorporate expert feedback and global technological developments into future updates of the R&D Roadmap to build a stable and robust ecosystem for the ceramic industry. 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

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