Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

MOTIR Minister Highlights Urgency of AI Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness of Mid-Sized Enterprises

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced that Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim delivered a keynote speech at the “CEO Forum for Mid-Sized Enterprises” hosted by the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea (FOMEK, Chairman Choi Jin-shik) on Monday, November 3, at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. The event was attended by around 100 CEOs from Korea’s mid-sized enterprises. In his speech, titled “The New Age of Exploration,” Minister Kim stated, “Just as the invention of the compass in the 15th century ushered in the Age of Exploration that reshaped global wealth and power, it is now time for Korean companies to seize the new compass of artificial intelligence (AI) and chart new routes in the global market.” He emphasized that mid-sized enterprises—the backbone of the Korean economy and industry—must take an active role in the shift toward industrial AI transformation. In response, the mid-sized enterprise community agreed that accelerating industrial AI adoption is essential for business survival and growth. Representatives from mid-sized enterprises also highlighted challenges in responding to rapid changes such as AI transformation, the green transition, and supply chain realignments driven by recent tariff measures. They requested stronger policy support across global expansion, technology development, finance, taxation, human resources, and regulatory reform. In response, Minister Kim affirmed that the government will work closely with relevant ministries to provide maximum support so that mid-sized enterprises can grow into larger, globally competitive companies.   date2025-11-04

Korea’s Exports Hit New Peak for October

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced on November 1 that Korea’s exports in October 2025 rose 3.6 percent year-on-year to USD 59.6 billion, the highest on record for October, while imports fell 1.5 percent to $53.5 billion. The trade surplus stood at $6.1 billion, bringing the cumulative surplus for January–October to $56.4 billion and surpassing the total for 2024. Despite fewer working days during the Chuseok holiday, exports grew for the fifth consecutive month, and average daily exports climbed 14 percent to $3.0 billion, reaching an all-time high. Semiconductor exports increased 25.4 percent to $15.7 billion, driven by strong demand for high-value memory such as HBM and DDR5. Ship exports, including offshore plants, soared 131.2 percent to $4.7 billion, while petroleum product exports rose 12.7 percent to $3.8 billion. By region, exports to Latin America nearly doubled (up 99 percent) to $4.7 billion—a record level led by large offshore plant deliveries—and exports to the CIS climbed 34.4 percent to $1.3 billion, marking eight straight months of growth. Exports to the United States declined 16.2 percent to $8.7 billion due to tariff-related challenges, while exports to China and ASEAN also fell slightly. Exports to Taiwan jumped 46 percent to a record $5.2 billion on strong semiconductor demand. MOTIR Minister Kim Jung-kwan stated, “Semiconductors and ships drove export growth for the fifth consecutive month. With the recent Korea-U.S. agreement on detailed tariff negotiations, Korea’s key export items—including automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals—will no longer face disadvantages in the U.S. market. The government will ensure that this agreement and related financial measures create new growth opportunities for Korean industries.”   date2025-11-03

Korea Honors Contributors and Organizations on the 55th National Metrology Day

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) held a ceremony on Friday, October 31, to mark the 55th National Metrology Day and presented 35 awards to individuals and organizations that have contributed to strengthening Korea’s national competitiveness in metrology. At the ceremony, Nam Gi-dong, CEO of DYC&T, received the Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit in recognition of his contribution to industrial advancement through the development of Korea’s first 30 MN-class high-capacity force measuring instrument. Dr. Kwon Jae-Yong of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) received a Presidential Commendation for his achievement in developing a world-class primary standard for electromagnetic power. In addition, the first Legal Metrology Idea Contest was held this year, with six outstanding entries selected from 92 submissions, helping to raise public interest and participation in the metrology sector. A pre-event seminar themed “AI and the Future of Industrial Metrology” featured the Vice Chair of China’s Digital Metrology Technology Committee as a guest speaker, who shared policy trends in AI and industrial metrology. Korean experts from industry, academia, and research institutions also gathered to discuss the importance of metrology in the AI era and strategies for its future development. In his congratulatory remarks, KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “In advanced industries, ensuring accuracy through metrology is directly linked to national industrial competitiveness. KATS will continue to strengthen the foundation of advanced industries such as AI and semiconductors by improving metrology infrastructure and systems, while identifying and supporting contributors and organizations that advance measurement technology in the industrial field.”   date2025-10-31

Turning Crisis into Innovation: Korea’s Chemical Industry Commits to Structural Reform Through Public-Private Collaboration

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) held the 17th Chemical Industry Day ceremony on Friday, October 31, at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, with Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak, Korea Chemical Industry Association Chairman Shin Hak-cheol, and around 250 participants from the petrochemical sector in attendance. At the ceremony, Baek Jong-hoon, CEO of Kumho Petrochemical, received the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit among 42 individuals honored for their contributions to the advancement of Korea’s chemical industry. The event held particular significance, as it took place amid ongoing discussions on restructuring within the petrochemical business to address structural challenges caused by global oversupply. It served as an opportunity for both the industry and the government to reaffirm their shared commitment to overcoming the current crisis and achieving a new stage of growth. As a side event, MOTIR hosted a roundtable on the Petrochemical Industry High-Value-Added R&D Roadmap. The session brought together R&D representatives from companies participating in restructuring and experts to discuss the roadmap and strategies to enhance future competitiveness of Korea’s chemical industry. MOTIR plans to announce the final version of the R&D roadmap in November and, based on it, design a large-scale preliminary feasibility study to support the high-value-added transformation of companies undergoing business restructuring. In particular, the ministry will prioritize the R&D needs of companies actively pursuing restructuring to ensure that facility optimization naturally leads to higher value-added production. In his congratulatory remarks, Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak stated, “Korea’s petrochemical industry must simultaneously address two challenges: responding to global oversupply and achieving higher value-added production. Now is the time for bold and swift structural reform.” He added, “For companies taking proactive steps toward restructuring, the government will provide tailored support packages to ensure smooth transitions, and based on the R&D roadmap, we will promote high-value-added and eco-friendly transformation to secure fundamental competitiveness of the petrochemical industry.”   date2025-10-31

Korea to Strengthen Supply Chain Stability for Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol presided over the 6th Supply Chain Stabilization Committee Meeting at the Government Complex Seoul on Friday, October 31. The meeting reviewed recent developments in economic security and discussed (1) measures to stabilize the rare earth supply chain, (2) first-year achievements and improvement measures of the Supply Chain Stabilization Fund, and (3) strategies to promote recycling of critical minerals. Amid growing supply uncertainties surrounding rare earth elements due to China’s strengthened export controls, the government has launched an inter-ministerial task force on rare earth supply chains (established on October 16) to prevent adverse impacts on Korean companies and operates a Rare Earth Supply Response Center to help them secure stable supplies. To strengthen crisis response capabilities in case of supply disruptions, the government will expand investment and financing for overseas resource development, promote technologies that reduce reliance on rare earth materials and the recycling of rare earth permanent magnets, and increase public stockpiling. Furthermore, the government will actively support critical mineral recycling. Aiming to achieve a 20 percent recycling rate for ten strategic critical minerals by 2030, the government has been operating a joint task force to build the industrial ecosystem and streamline related regulations. The new measures will shift the perception of recycled raw materials from “waste” to “resources” through institutional reforms. Expanding the designation of recyclable resources, easing import-guarantee requirements, and providing tariff relief are expected to deliver tangible reductions in costs and administrative burdens for companies importing recycled raw materials. The government will also promote investment and financing through the Supply Chain Stabilization Fund to foster the recycling industry and nurture leading companies, and strengthen fiscal support for facilities, equipment, R&D, and demonstration projects. Regular inter-ministerial meetings on critical mineral recycling will continue to explore policy and support improvements. Marking the first anniversary of the Supply Chain Stabilization Fund, the government is reviewing its performance and exploring ways to enhance its effectiveness. To increase the fund’s proactivity and efficiency, a KRW 250 billion Critical Minerals and Energy Supply Chain Stabilization Fund will be established to boost direct and indirect investments and introduce special loan programs for small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). The government will also establish a differentiated support system based on supply chain criticality and contribution to stabilization, while strengthening coordination with other policy finance institutions such as the Korea Development Bank.   date2025-10-31

Korea Sets World’s First Standard for Photovoltaic-Thermal Hybrid Modules

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced on Friday, October 31, that it has established and officially announced the world’s first Korean Industrial Standard (KS) for photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) hybrid modules, which generate both electricity and heat from solar energy. While separate standards already exist for photovoltaic modules that generate electricity and for solar thermal collectors that produce heat, there has been no standard for PVT hybrid modules combining both technologies. This lack of standardization has posed challenges for Korean manufacturers seeking to enter new markets. To address this issue, KATS introduced the Certification of Conformity of New Products of Industrial Convergence system in 2023 and has now established the world’s first KS standard to promote the adoption of PVT hybrid modules. Because PVT hybrid modules are well-suited for buildings requiring both electricity and heat, the newly established KS standard is expected to support the government’s policy goal of achieving an energy transition centered on renewable energy and advancing toward zero-energy building certification for energy self-sufficiency. President Kim Dae-ja stated, “The world’s first standardization of PVT hybrid modules demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting the market adoption of new convergence technologies developed by Korean companies. Moving forward, we will also pursue international standardization to help Korean companies expand into global markets.”   date2025-10-31

Korea’s Battery Industry Aims for Recovery and Renewed Growth

Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) attended the 5th Battery Industry Day ceremony held on Thursday, October 30, at Josun Palace Seoul. Established to recognize the achievements of the battery industry and to foster unity among its members, the event celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. More than 250 participants attended—including Vice Minister Moon; People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sung-won; Kim Dong-myung, Chairman of the Korea Battery Industry Association and CEO of LG Energy Solution; and Choi Joong-kyung, Chairman of the Korea-America Association—as well as other industry leaders and awardees. During the ceremony, 20 individuals were honored with government commendations, including the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit and the Industrial Service Medal, in recognition of their contributions to the development of the battery industry. This year’s Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit was awarded to Park Zin, Executive Vice President of Samsung SDI, for his leadership in advancing long-life and high-power battery technologies for electric vehicles and improving safety standards for energy storage system (ESS) batteries. In his congratulatory remarks, Vice Minister Moon noted that Korea’s rechargeable battery industry is facing challenges such as slowing EV demand and risks in the critical minerals supply chain. He emphasized the need to develop breakthrough technologies, diversify supply chains, and create new markets to achieve renewed growth. He affirmed, “The government will provide full support to ensure Korea’s rechargeable battery industry emerges stronger and achieves new growth after overcoming this difficult period.”   date2025-10-31

Record-Breaking Invest KOREA Summit Opens in Seoul

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that it is hosting the Invest KOREA Summit (IKS), Korea’s largest foreign investment promotion event, from October 30 to 31 at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. This year’s summit, held in conjunction with the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju, marks the largest IKS to date. The event features an investment declaration and R&D center designation ceremony, the Invest KOREA Conference, advanced industry seminars, startup pitching sessions, and a financial investor forum. More than 2,000 participants—including foreign investors, representatives from 300 international media outlets, leading Korean and global companies, foreign chambers of commerce, embassies, and government and local officials—are expected to attend. In his congratulatory remarks at the opening session of the Invest KOREA Conference, Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak emphasized that “Korea is one of the most attractive destinations for global investors, and foreign investment has been a key driver of Korea’s industrial competitiveness.” He added, “Despite global economic uncertainty, Korea will continue to strengthen advanced industry competitiveness, diversify export markets, and enhance foreign investment support systems to ensure the country remains a global business hub.” Under the theme “AI Innovation Partner, KOREA,” this year’s IKS focuses on promoting global investment in Korea’s AI ecosystem, aligning with the government’s goal of positioning the nation among the world’s top three AI powerhouses. At the conference, Kim Yu-won, CEO of NAVER Cloud, and Baek Joon-ho, CEO of FuriosaAI, delivered keynote speeches on Sovereign AI technology development and next-generation AI innovation. Experts at the event also discussed how AI is reshaping industrial structures and investment trends, highlighting strategies to attract global investment—such as improving Korea’s investment environment and leveraging supply chains—to strengthen leadership in the AI ecosystem. During the summit, seven global companies in sectors such as semiconductors, future mobility, offshore wind power, advanced materials, and K-culture-related content and food participated in an investment declaration ceremony totaling USD 550 million. Combined with the USD 9 billion in investment plans announced the previous day in Gyeongju under the “Global Corporate Investment Partnership,” this marks the largest-ever foreign investment commitments secured through the IKS. Key Highlights and Participating Companies in the Investment Declaration Ceremony on October 30 (Offshore Wind) 1. Ocean Winds (Spain): A leading global developer and operator of offshore wind power, planning to establish a floating offshore wind farm in Ulsan and expand cooperation across Korea’s offshore wind supply chain. (Semiconductors) 2. Tokyo Electron (Japan): A global leader in semiconductor and display manufacturing equipment, expected to help strengthen Korea’s semiconductor equipment supply chain. (Future Mobility) 3. Valeo (France): A leading company specializing in advanced autonomous driving sensors and perception systems, expanding its production facilities and research centers in Korea for autonomous systems while continuing investment in air-conditioning systems, battery modules, and other related areas. (Advanced Materials) 4. BASF (Germany): The world’s largest chemical company, expanding specialty chemical production facilities in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do. (Advanced Materials) 5. Mitsui Chemicals (Japan): One of Japan’s three major chemical companies, enhancing technological cooperation with Korean partners to establish next-generation supply chains. (Content) 6. HAPPYTUK (Taiwan): A PC and mobile game publisher and operator, establishing a new AI R&D cent date2025-10-30