Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

16th Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting and 10th Mission Innovation Ministerial Meeting Convene in Busan

Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) is hosting the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting (CEM16) and the 10th Mission Innovation Ministerial Meeting (MI-10) from August 25 to August 27, 2025, at BEXCO in Busan. Held as part of Energy Super Week, the meetings are taking place alongside the 2025 World Climate Industry EXPO (WCE) and the 15th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting. CEM and MI are leading global platforms for public-private cooperation, bringing together a wide range of climate and energy stakeholders to discuss expanding clean energy and to explore collaborative measures for accelerating clean energy innovation. Under the theme, “Energizing Cooperation for a Prosperous Future,” this year’s meetings are drawing around 1,000 participants, including 41 government delegations and representatives from 111 international organizations. As chair of CEM16 and MI-10, Korea is steering discussions on global energy priorities to address challenges posed by the climate crisis. To facilitate practical public-private cooperation, four high-level roundtable dialogues have been convened, bringing together ministers, vice ministers, international business leaders, and officials from international organizations. In the power transformation session, ministers and vice ministers met with leading companies in power technologies—including LS Cable & System, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and Bloom Energy—to discuss carbon-free power generation and grid infrastructure to meet rising demand from AI, data centers, and electric vehicles, as well as power system reforms to accelerate the clean energy transition. The industry decarbonization and energy efficiency session covered private sector efforts to cut emissions in hard-to-abate industries such as steel and shared business models and financial mechanisms to improve energy efficiency. In the future fuels session, government officials from countries highly interested in advancing hydrogen and other future fuels met with Korean companies with strengths in the hydrogen sector, such as Hyundai Motor and Kolon Industries. Participants reaffirmed the decarbonization potential of future fuels—such as clean hydrogen, ammonia, and e-fuels—in industry and transportation, and discussed ways to expand deployment and investment. The energy and AI session brought together Microsoft, Google, NVIDIA, LG Energy Solution, and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), along with ministerial-level officials. Participants examined both sides of the AI–energy nexus—rising energy demand driven by AI and energy innovation enabled by AI—and exchanged views on how the two can develop in tandem. Power transformation and future fuels will also be key topics at the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group Ministerial Meeting in October 2025 and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in November 2025, respectively. Korea expects CEM16 and MI-10to help deepen discussion on these global energy agendas. Vice Minister Lee Ho-hyeon of MOTIE stated that CEM16 and MI-10 served as valuable platforms for discussing energy transition, energy security, and energy technology innovation. He expressed hope that the meetings hosted in Korea this year will mark an important turning point for the wider deployment of innovative energy technologies, tangible solution-building, and a stronger commitment to solidarity. date2025-08-27

Global Energy Leaders to Gather in Busan as Energy Super Week Opens August 25

Energy Super Week will take place from August 25 to 29, 2025, at BEXCO and Nurimaru Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) House in Busan, Korea. This international event brings together global energy leaders in conjunction with the 2025 World Climate Industry EXPO (WCE), the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting (CEM16), the 10th Mission Innovation Ministerial Meeting (MI-10), and the 15th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting. The five-day event has been organized through inter-ministerial cooperation led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA). As chair of APEC 2025 KOREA, CEM16, and MI-10, Korea will advance discussions on global energy priorities and present AI-driven energy innovation and climate response strategies under the theme “Energy for AI & AI for Energy. More than 40 government delegations, 65 international organizations and institutions, 1,300 high-level participants—including global business executives—and 540 companies are expected to participate, positioning Korea as a focal point for international energy cooperation. 2025 WCE: Platform for AI and Energy Innovation ❶ The 2025 World Climate Industry EXPO (WCE) will be held from August 27 to 29, 2025, at BEXCO and co-hosted by the Korean government, the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the World Bank (WB). The expo expands this year from a joint Korea–IEA event to a Korea–IEA–World Bank co-hosted event, raising its profile as a platform for global cooperation. Following opening remarks by Korea’s Prime Minister, leading figures in the global energy and climate sectors—including Fatih Birol, Executive Director of IEA, and Michelle Patron, Director of Sustainability Policy at Microsoft—will deliver keynote addresses.  ❷ The 2025 WCE will feature 12 global conferences, four of which are organized directly by international bodies such as IEA, WB, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Sessions will cover energy and AI, smart energy systems, and low-carbon innovation strategies, with participation from major global tech companies such as Microsoft, Google, NVIDIA, and General Electric. Korean ministries and organizations will also run sessions to advance discussions on climate and energy solutions with international partners. Hosts include MOTIE, the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth (PCNCGG), Busan Metropolitan City, MSIT, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the Korea Forest Service (KFS), and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). ❸ The 2025 WCE will operate six exhibition halls showcasing around 540 companies, including Samsung and LG. Exhibits will highlight innovations across offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon reduction technologies. In the newly established “Energy Highway” hall, Korean power equipment companies will present next-generation power grids, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems, energy storage systems (ESS), and digital power solutions. The hall will provide a dedicated venue to present the new Korean administration’s vision for energy transition to the international community. ❹ Alongside the conferences and exhibitions, the event will also offer a job fair and global networking programs, with participation from 45 Korean public energy corporations, Germany’s RWE, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and WB. The programs are expected to generate new job opportunities and expand international cooperation. Public engagement programs include a science YouTuber’s talk concert on August 28, 2025, an AI-robot camera experience, and a drone show at Gwangalli Beach on August 27 2025. APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting: Advancing Global Policymaking and Cooperation Ministerial meetings wi date2025-08-26

Minister Kim Meets US Senators to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) met with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Andrew Kim (D-NJ) in Seoul on August 19, 2025, to discuss strengthening Korea–U.S. cooperation in shipbuilding and other industries and expanding bilateral investment. Illinois hosts a large number of Korean companies in logistics, home appliances, and auto parts, thanks to its excellent transportation infrastructure and deep talent pool. New Jersey, with its strong market access and highly educated workforce, is home to the North American headquarters of major Korean conglomerates, as well as a broad base of Korean companies across diverse sectors, including electronics, food, and machinery. During the meeting, Minister Kim asked for the senators’ continued interest and support for Korean companies investing in Illinois, New Jersey, and across the United States. He also underscored the importance of stable and consistent U.S. policies that facilitate foreign direct investment in the U.S. to ensure further bilateral economic ties. Minister Kim cited Hanwha Philly Shipyard near New Jersey as a successful example of Korea–U.S. shipbuilding cooperation, noting the collaboration between the Korean shipbuilder and the state in sourcing qualified professionals and rebuilding the shipbuilding ecosystem. He called for continued support from the U.S. Congress to deepen bilateral shipbuilding cooperation across a broader range of areas, including commercial ships to naval vessels, emphasizing that Korea has world-class shipbuilding capabilities and technology and is a reliable partner for the U.S. Both sides agreed on the need to develop new policies and enhance bilateral partnership amid a rapidly shifting trade landscape. Meanwhile, MOTIE will provide support measures for industries vulnerable to the outcome of the Kore–U.S. tariff talks, and continue to devise mid- and long-term measures to strengthen industrial competitiveness and respond to the evolving trade environment. date2025-08-21

Korea’s Auto Industry Posts Comprehensive Growth in July

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on August 19 that Korea’s automobile exports, domestic sales, and production all rose year-on-year in July, marking a solid start to the second half of 2025. Automobile exports grew for the second consecutive month, reaching $5.8 billion (up 8.8 percent year-on-year). This was driven by a 5.8 percent rise in new vehicle exports and a 17.0 percent surge in eco-friendly vehicle exports, namely electric vehicles (EVs, up 12.3 percent), hybrid vehicles (up 18.1 percent), and plug-in hybrid vehicles (up 31.7 percent). By destination, automobile exports to the EU climbed 32.7 percent to $0.7 billion, while those to non-EU regions soared 78.7 percent to $0.6 billion year-on-year. Exports to the Middle East declined 13.8 percent to $0.4 billion, largely due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Meanwhile, domestic sales of eco-friendly vehicles set a new monthly record in July, accounting for 55.3 percent of total automobiles sold in Korea. In particular, EV sales spiked 69.4 percent year-on-year to nearly 26,000 units. As of July 30 (US local time), Korea and the US agreed to set tariffs on automobiles and auto parts at 15 percent, easing much of the trade uncertainty. The Korean government plans to support the automobile industry in swiftly adapting to the new trade environment and secure growth momentum through financial aid, technology development, and new market opportunities. date2025-08-20

MOTIE Hosts Strategy Meeting for Upcoming APEC Business Events

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister JK Kim) hosted a strategy meeting on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul to ensure meaningful economic outcomes from upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business events. In line with the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting week scheduled for October, MOTIE is preparing various business events, including the CEO Summit, Invest KOREA Summit, and Export Boom-Up Korea Week. The strategy meeting brought together relevant agencies to review preparations and discuss cooperative measures for tangible outcomes. At the meeting, MOTIE also discussed steps to attract top global business leaders and launched the control tower for the APEC business events. The control tower will focus on practical deliverables, such as facilitating engagement and partnerships between Korean and global companies, promoting investment, expanding exports, and identifying new collaborative projects. In his opening remarks, Trade Minister Yeo stated that the recent conclusion of Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations eased some export uncertainties, but risks persist amid a weakening multilateral trading system and growing protectionism. He added, “This year’s APEC business events should serve as a springboard for companies to take the next step forward.” He also noted that global attention is converging on APEC 2025 KOREA as it convenes amid rapid shifts in the trade landscape. Trade Minister Yeo stressed, “We must demonstrate open, middle-power leadership by facilitating cooperation between APEC member economies and contributing to regional economic revitalization.” This year marks the first time in 20 years that Korea is serving as APEC Chair. APEC 2025 KOREA will be the largest international event hosted under the new administration, providing an opportunity to showcase the country’s economic resilience and mature democracy to the world. date2025-08-19

Korea’s World-Leading LNG Carrier Industry Takes a Further Step Under MASGA

[Naming Ceremony for LNG Carriers] Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of  the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) attended the naming ceremony for two very large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje Shipyard in Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. The visit marked his first on-site engagement at an industrial facility since taking office. The two vessels are the first and second of five LNG carriers, valued at USD 1.2 billion, ordered in 2022 by a U.S. LNG producer. They will be deployed for global exports of U.S.-produced LNG. The vessels are very large LNG carriers, each with a capacity of 200,000 cubic meters, equivalent to roughly one day’s worth of LNG consumption for the Korean population in a single shipment. The projects is meaningful as a Korea–U.S. shipbuilding cooperation under the “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA)” initiative and carry symbolic significance in that a Korean shipbuilder constructed vessels to transport U.S.-sourced energy. The ceremony also underscored Korea’s continued leadership in the high-value LNG carrier market. Of the 760 LNG carriers currently in operation worldwide, more than 70 percent were built in Korea. In the first half of this year, Korean shipbuilders secured all global orders for LNG carriers, maintaining the country’s leading position in the sector. In his congratulatory speech, Minister Kim described MASGA as a mutually beneficial initiative that supports the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry through shipyard investment, skilled workforce training, and  supply chain rebuilding, while creating new market opportunities for Korean companies. He added that the Korean government would promptly establish an interagency consultative body and work closely with U.S. counterparts to produce tangible results. [Visit to MRO Site of US Naval Vessel] Following the naming ceremony, Minister Kim visited the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) site at Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje Shipyard for Charles Drew, the third U.S. naval vessel to undergo MRO at the yard. He encouraged Hanwha employees and crew members of the Charles Drew, stating that “MRO for U.S. naval vessels mark the starting point for Korea–U.S. shipbuilding cooperation” and expressing his hope that “the Charles Drew would be restored through the technical capabilities of Korea’s shipbuilding industry, just like the previous two MRO projects.” [Meeting with Hanwha Ocean’s Labor Union Leader] Minister Kim also met with Kim Yoo-chul, head of Hanwha Ocean’s labor union and chair of the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering branch. The minister expressed his appreciation for the dedication of site workers who have contributed to the resurgence of Korea’s shipbuilding industry. Emphasizing that workplace safety requires joint commitment from labor, management, and the government, he called for coordinated efforts from all parties to prevent industrial accidents and ensure safe shipyard operations. He added that Korea–U.S. shipbuilding cooperation under MASGA should be viewed not as a diversion of orders to the United States, but as an opportunity to create new business prospects for Korean shipbuilders, and asked for continued cooperation in advancing bilateral shipbuilding collaboration. date2025-08-14

Korea’s ICT Exports Surge 14.4% in July

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Science and ICT announced on August 14 that Korea’s exports of ICT goods in July 2025 climbed 14.5 percent year-on-year to USD 22.2 billion, while imports grew 9.8 percent to $13.3 billion. The trade balance recorded a surplus of $8.9 billion. Despite policy uncertainties, including the announcement of new US tariffs, ICT exports reached an all-time high for the month of July. Semiconductor exports, in particular, achieved a record-breaking performance for four consecutive months. Semiconductor exports spiked 31.2 percent year-on-year, driven by rising contract prices for DRAM and NAND memory, alongside sustained global demand for high-value memory products such as HBM and DDR5. Communication device exports rose 4.6 percent, supported by demand for automotive communications equipment in the US and 5G equipment in Japan. Exports of displays (down 8.9 percent), mobile phones (down 21.7 percent), and computers/peripherals (down 17.1 percent) all declined; however, strong exports of finished smartphone products partially offset the drop. By destination, ICT exports increased to the US (up 11.9 percent), Vietnam (up 16.4 percent), the EU (up 18.0 percent), and Japan (up 23.9 percent), while exports to China (including Hong Kong) fell 5.6 percent. ICT imports in July rose 9.8 percent year-on-year to $13.3 billion, driven by gains in semiconductors (up 9.2 percent), mobile phones (up 19.3 percent), and computers/peripherals (up 15.6 percent). date2025-08-14

Korea-Vietnam Business Forum Held During State Visit by Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok attended the Korea-Vietnam Business Forum at Lotte Hotel Seoul on the morning of Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The forum was co-hosted by Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) during Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Korea, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations The forum marked the first state visit since Korea’s new government took office and brought together over 500 participants, including Second Vice Minister of MOTIE Lee Ho-hyun and Minister of MOF Nguyen Van Thang, government officials, agency representatives, and business leaders from both countries. It also featured a corporate presentation session during which six Korean and Vietnamese firms shared insights on three key topics: digital transformation, advanced industries, supply chains, and energy. On the sidelines of the forum and in the presence of General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Kim, a total of 52 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between private businesses and agencies of the two countries across a wide range of sectors, including industrial cooperation, energy, and food and tourism, laying the groundwork for expanded economic partnership. In industrial cooperation, 28 MOUs were concluded across traditional manufacturing and emerging industries, including shipbuilding, aviation, AI, finance, and port logistics. These agreements are expected to diversify bilateral industrial cooperation through initiatives such as joint investment, workforce development, and industry-academia collaboration. In the energy sector, 11 MOUs were signed in areas such as clean energy and power grid stabilization, reinforcing the foundation for a stable and sustainable energy supply chain cooperation with Vietnam. In addition, three MOUs on high-speed rail partnerships were concluded, creating opportunities for Korean companies to participate in Vietnam’s national transportation and construction projects. Also, 10 MOUs on food, tourism, and other areas were signed, contributing to closer cultural cooperation between the two countries. The Korean government will work closely with the Vietnamese government through established economic cooperation platforms, such as the Joint Committee on Industry and Free Trade Agreements, to ensure that these MOUs are effectively implemented and deliver tangible results. date2025-08-14