Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

MOTIR Discusses Strengthening Korea–U.S. Economic and Trade Cooperation with the U.S. Congress

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held a roundtable with members of the Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK), in Seoul on April 2, 2026. Held during the CSGK’s visit to Korea, the roundtable focused on exchanging views on key issues with leading members of the U.S. Congress and exploring measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Trade Minister of MOTIR–CSGK Delegation Roundtable Overview  Date and Venue: 10:00–10:45 a.m., Thursday, April 2, 2026, The Westin Josun Seoul Participants: (Korea) Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and other MOTIR officials (U.S.) Six* members of the Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK) of the U.S. House of Representatives, and other delegation members * Representatives Ami Bera (D-CA), Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Pat Harrigan (R-NC). Noting that Korea–U.S. ties have expanded beyond a traditional security alliance into substantive cooperation in economic and technological areas, the two sides held wide-ranging discussions on their respective policy priorities and on ways to expand cooperation in trade and investment. Trade Minister Yeo explained that the groundwork has been laid for broader strategic investment cooperation, including through the enactment of the Special Act for Korea–U.S. Strategic Investment Management. He also asked for the CSGK’s continued interest and support to help deepen bilateral cooperation in areas of shared interest. The Korean government will continue engaging key U.S. stakeholders to help maintain a stable Korea–U.S. trade environment and foster favorable business conditions for Korean companies in the U.S. market. date2026-04-02

March 2026 Exports Reach Record $86.1 Billion, Surpassing $80 Billion for the First Time

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that in March 2026, Korea’s exports rose 48.3 percent year-on-year to USD 86.1 billion, while imports increased 13.2 percent to $60.4 billion, resulting in a $25.7 billion surplus. Exports in March rose 48.3 percent to $86.1 billion despite the conflict in the Middle East, surpassing $80.0 billion for the first time. Average daily exports, adjusted for working days, increased 41.9 percent to $3.7 billion, also reaching a record high. By product, exports increased in 10 of Korea’s 15 key export items. Semiconductor exports rose to $32.8 billion (up 151.4 percent), posting the highest monthly figure on record and topping $30.0 billion for the first time. Automobiles edged up to $6.4 billion (up 2.2 percent), as gains in eco-friendly vehicles offset the impact of some logistics disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Petroleum products rose to $5.1 billion (up 54.9 percent), while petrochemicals increased 5.8 percent. Computers rose to $3.4 billion (up 189.2 percent), reaching the highest level on record, and secondary battery exports increased to $0.9 billion (up 36.0 percent). Among items outside the 15 key export categories, electrical equipment, cosmetics, and agricultural and fisheries products also reached record highs for March. By destination, exports increased in seven of Korea’s nine major markets. Exports to China rose 64.0 percent to $16.5 billion, extending their growth streak to five consecutive months. Exports to the United States rose to $16.3 billion (up 47.1 percent), led by semiconductors and computers. Exports to ASEAN increased to $13.8 billion (up 34.3 percent), while exports to the EU rose to $7.5 billion (up 19.3 percent). By contrast, exports to the Middle East fell 49.1 percent to $0.9 billion amid logistics disruptions linked to the conflict. Imports rose 13.2 percent year-on-year to $60.4 billion. Energy imports edged down to $9.4 billion (down 7.0 percent), while non-energy imports rose 17.9 percent to $51.0 billion. Crude oil imports fell 5.0 percent to $6.0 billion, as supply disruptions from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz reduced import volumes, more than offsetting the rise in unit prices. Among non-energy imports, semiconductors rose to $8.6 billion (up 34.8 percent) and semiconductor equipment to $2.9 billion (up 4.4 percent). The trade surplus in March reached $25.7 billion, up $21.0 billion from March 2025, marking the largest monthly surplus on record and extending Korea’s surplus streak to 14 consecutive months since February 2025. Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim stated, “Despite challenging external conditions, including the conflict in the Middle East and the spread of protectionism, exports in March surpassed $80 billion for the first time, led by semiconductors and by broad-based gains in other key export items and promising categories, including consumer goods.” He noted that export uncertainty is rising as the conflict in the Middle East continues to push up oil prices and heighten supply chain risks. He added that the government will maintain a government-wide response system, closely monitor supply chains across energy, raw materials, and logistics, promptly implement stabilization measures, and help exporters address difficulties in marketing, logistics, and financing. It will also support diversification across export items and markets to sustain export momentum. date2026-04-01

Korea, EU Step Up High-Level Coordination on Critical Minerals, Supply Chains and Regulatory Proposals

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the inaugural Korea–EU special committee on emerging trade issues in Seoul on March 31, 2026, with Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at MOTIR, and Sabine Weyand, Director-General for Trade and Economic Security at the European Commission, as chief delegates. This was the first meeting under a new vice minister-level consultative body created in response to a rapidly changing trade environment amid global supply chain realignment and growing protectionism. The two sides discussed key issues including critical minerals, supply chain resilience, advanced technologies, and security. On critical minerals, Korea and the EU noted that both have limited production bases and remain heavily dependent on external supply chains, leaving them structurally vulnerable. They agreed to expand strategic dialogue and continue discussions on specific areas for cooperation. The two sides shared their assessments of recent developments in the Middle East and their respective response systems. They underscored the importance of close Korea–EU coordination for an effective response and agreed to stay in close contact on related issues. Korea briefed the EU on developments and its position in areas the EU had expressed interest in, including its supply chain management system, technology security framework, and cooperation on semiconductor and connected-vehicle security and safety. Korea also set out its position on major industrial policies and regulations currently under discussion in the EU. Korea welcomed the March 4, 2026, final text of the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), which treats content originating in FTA partner countries as equivalent to EU origin. Korea noted, however, that some provisions remain unclear and that concerns raised by the Korean government and industry have yet to be fully addressed. Korea noted that it had already submitted a document on March 20, 2026, setting out its questions and requests, and asked the EU to take them into account so that the measure can be introduced in a way that strengthens bilateral cooperation. On the tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) the EU is considering on steel imports, Korea acknowledged the need to address global steel overcapacity, but stressed that any measure should remain consistent with the Korea–EU FTA and WTO rules and should not unduly restrict market access for Korean companies. The two sides said the meeting had strengthened the basis for cooperation on key issues including critical minerals, supply chains, and economic security. They agreed to pursue tangible outcomes through follow-up channels, including the Korea-EU Next-Generation Strategic Dialogue at the ministerial level, scheduled for April 2026. date2026-04-01

Korea and Canada Step Up Cooperation in Strategic Industries

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) held the Korea–Canada Energy Security Leadership Dialogue in Seoul on March 31, 2026, on the occasion of the visit to Korea this week by the Team Canada Trade Mission, led by Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade. The meeting focused on ways to stabilize energy and resource supply chains between the two countries and expand cooperation in strategic industries. Participants included Minister Kim, Minister Sidhu, Canadian Ambassador to Korea Philippe Lafortune, and representatives from major energy and resource companies from both countries. The two ministers shared the view that Korea and Canada should deepen cooperation centered on stable energy and resource supplies, diversification of energy sources, and stronger global partnerships at a time of growing uncertainty in global energy and resource supply chains amid the recent conflict in the Middle East. They also shared the understanding that Korea and Canada are complementary partners capable of driving new growth through strategic industrial cooperation, including in resources and minerals. Minister JK Kim said, "In a new era of uncertainty, if a resource-rich country like Canada and a manufacturing powerhouse like Korea combine their respective strengths, they can build resilient supply chains capable of weathering global crises," and proposed that the two countries strengthen cooperation in energy and resources, including LNG, critical minerals, and nuclear power.” Minister Kim also stressed that proactive cooperation would be essential to maximizing the two countries’ potential in future strategic industries, and said that Canada’s submarine program could provide a powerful new impetus for deeper bilateral cooperation in those sectors. In this regard, he reiterated that Hyundai Motor’s project linking hydrogen production, refueling, and mobility—leveraging Canada’s hydrogen resource potential—could serve as a mutually beneficial model for strategic industrial cooperation between the two countries, and asked for Canada’s favorable consideration. Meanwhile, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo is set to attend a reception for the Team Canada Trade Mission on April 1, 2026. The event will bring together some 500 leading figures from the two countries’ business communities to explore opportunities to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in key business sectors. On the sidelines of the event, he also plans to meet again with Minister Sidhu, following their bilateral meeting on March 28, 2026, at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, to continue follow-up discussions on the outcomes of the ministerial conference as well as bilateral and multilateral trade issues, including Korea–Canada economic and trade matters. Trade Minister Yeo will also note that this visit marks the Team Canada Trade Mission’s first return to a country it previously visited, coming two years after its April 2024 visit to Korea—underscoring the strong interest and commitment from industry in both countries toward Korea–Canada industrial cooperation. He will also express the government’s commitment to actively supporting efforts to deliver tangible outcomes in strategic industries such as defense and automobiles through high-level communication channels. date2026-03-31

Korea, Uzbekistan Discuss Expanding Economic Cooperation

Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), met with Ilzat Kasimov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, in Seoul on March 31, 2026, to discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation in industry and supply chains. The talks came ahead of the Korea–Central Asia Summit, amid growing momentum in Korea–Central Asia cooperation. The two sides shared the view that cooperation in industry, trade and investment should be expanded. They also agreed to continue developing specific agenda items through existing channels, including the Korea–Uzbekistan Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation. In addition, they discussed the need to expand cooperation on critical minerals in response to shifts in global supply chains. The Korean side noted the need to support the smooth operations of Korean companies in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek side expressed hope for increased investment by Korean companies and noted the potential for cooperation across a range of sectors, including manufacturing and infrastructure. “Uzbekistan is a key economic partner for Korea in Central Asia,” Deputy Minister Park said. “Building on the momentum in Korea–Central Asia cooperation, we will continue to broaden cooperation in industry, supply chains and investment.” Deputy Minister Park also asked for the Uzbek government’s attention and cooperation in helping Korean companies operate smoothly and address business difficulties. date2026-03-31

MOTIR Holds First Foreign Investment Caravan of 2026

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the first Foreign Investment Caravan of 2026 in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, on March 31, 2026. The Caravan is an on-site outreach program for foreign-invested companies aimed at encouraging follow-on investment. Through the program, MOTIR gathers input on business difficulties, addresses investment-related concerns, and provides information on available investment support policies. The nationwide Caravan delivered tangible results in 2025, reaching 129 foreign-invested companies and identifying new investment demand totaling USD 1.68 billion, along with 53 regulatory improvement tasks. Building on those results, MOTIR plans to hold four Caravans in 2026 across four major regions. To help translate consultations into actual investment, the ministry will identify high-potential target companies in advance and offer one-on-one tailored consultations. This year’s program is designed not only to answer routine questions and address business difficulties, but also to put in place a more hands-on support system that can lead to additional investment. The event brought together about 60 participants, including representatives of 22 foreign-invested companies in the Chungcheong region, such as Air Liquide, Corning, and Merck; officials from MOTIR, Chungcheongnam-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, and Daejeon Metropolitan City; and representatives from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation (KICOX). Participants took part in three parallel programs: a briefing on support policies for foreign-invested companies, a roundtable on business difficulties, and one-on-one tailored consultations. “In line with the Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces initiative, we will focus on strategically attracting competitive, high-potential companies in advanced industries, supply chains, AI transformation (AX), and green transformation (GX), while substantially strengthening incentives for investment in non-metropolitan regions to support regional growth,” said Nam Myung-woo, Director General for Cross-Border Investment Policy at MOTIR. “With uncertainty rising both at home and abroad, including from recent developments in the Middle East, close communication with companies on the ground is more important than ever.” Following the Chungcheong event, MOTIR will hold additional Caravans in the capital region and other parts of the country to step up its efforts to attract foreign investment to Korea. date2026-03-31

Minister JK Kim Holds Meeting with FKTU President

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) met with Kim Dong-myeong, president of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), on March 30, 2026, at FKTU headquarters following a request from the union. The meeting was the first between Korea’s industry minister and the FKTU president since 2006. Minister Kim said, “As the war in the Middle East becomes prolonged and poses a major challenge to Korea’s economy and industry, labor and management should focus their efforts on overcoming the crisis and put unnecessary workplace disputes on hold.” He also asked labor to join energy-saving efforts to help maintain stable energy supplies. He also called for the union’s cooperation on Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX), noting that raising manufacturing productivity through M.AX and responding swiftly to industrial transition are essential to protecting jobs and workplaces. Minister Kim added that expanding corporate investment in the regions is key to creating stable jobs, and that the government will use stronger incentives to encourage more regional investment. He also called for continued dialogue with labor on expanding both flexibility and stability in the labor market to support quality job creation. At the meeting, the FKTU called for stronger support and job retention measures for industries undergoing transition, including petrochemicals and steel, and raised concerns about possible job losses linked to the adoption of AI. MOTIR has established communication channels with labor groups, including the FKTU and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), to rebuild trust and strengthen labor-management cooperation. The ministry will continue consultations with labor on regional investment and job creation. date2026-03-31

Korea to Advance AI and Other Future Key Industries through K-Standards

As major economies such as the United States, China, and the EU are using national standardization strategies to drive AI and digital transformation, standards are increasingly being used as a key tool in the race for technological leadership. On March 31, 2026, the Korean government finalized the sixth basic plan for 2026–2030 National Standards, which was prepared by 18 ministries and agencies and approved by the National Standards Council chaired by Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR). Under the plan, the government will develop more standards in future industries (K-standards) in line with market demand and strengthen the global competitiveness of Korean industry. With the goal of driving Korea’s innovation-led growth through K-standards, the plan sets out 129 action tasks under the following four strategies, following broad consultations with stakeholders from industry, academia, and research institutions. First, the government will focus on developing international and de facto standards in 18 future core industries, including M.AX Alliance sectors such as future vehicles and robotics, to help Korea secure a leading position in global markets. It will also link R&D more closely with standardization efforts so that research outcomes can be translated into international standards more quickly. In addition, in line with the Korea AI Action Plan announced by the National AI Strategy Committee in February 2026, the government will establish a national AI standardization governance framework and draw up a national AI standardization roadmap within 2026. Second, the government will expand standards that improve safety and convenience in daily life. It will develop standards that help prevent product accidents involving built-in batteries and new types of children’s products, and will strengthen occupational safety and health standards for industrial sites. It will also develop standards to ease day-to-day inconvenience for vulnerable groups, guide the design of performance venues, and set performance requirements for materials used in timber buildings. In addition, it will improve the management system for quantity-labeled products to help prevent shrinkflation. Third, to help exporters respond more systematically to overseas technical regulations, the government will enact legislation to support responses to technical barriers to trade (TBT) and remove unnecessary domestic technical regulations. It will also reform the KS certification system by introducing a review track that does not require factory audits, helping advanced products reach the market faster. To make Korea’s testing and certification industry more reliable and efficient, the government will strengthen the testing capabilities of Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS)-accredited bodies and give them more autonomy. Fourth, the government will strengthen strategic standards diplomacy by expanding the number of Korean experts serving in leadership positions at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and by holding bilateral standards cooperation forums with countries that have strong standards systems, such as the United States and Germany. It will also continue to train master’s- and doctoral-level standards professionals, including through graduate programs in advanced fields. “Standards will play a critical role as Korea shifts to a more advanced, innovation-driven industrial structure through AI and digital transformation,” said Kim Dae-ja, President of the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS). “Together with relevant ministries, we will carry out the sixth basic plan for National Standards, accelerate AI and digital transformation, and help create a safer and more convenient everyday enviro date2026-03-31