Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Private Sector Experts Propose Policies for Critical Minerals Recycling

The Private Expert Committee on Critical Minerals Recycling, which has been operating since April to support the growth of Korea’s critical minerals recycling industry, has identified 31 policy tasks under four key strategies—building industrial foundations, improving regulations and systems, establishing management frameworks, and fostering technological innovation—and proposed them to the government. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that following the release of the Policy Direction for Promoting Critical Minerals Recycling at the 4th Supply Chain Stabilization Committee Meeting in March, it launched the Private Expert Committee in April to ensure that the views of businesses and experts as policy stakeholders are actively reflected in policy. The committee, chaired by Park Hyun-chul, President of the Critical Minerals Recycling Forum, consists of 22 members across subcommittees on industry support, regulatory improvement, and technology development. Between April and September, the committee held over ten meetings and presented 31 policy tasks to the government. These were classified into top-priority (8), key (8), and follow-up (15) tasks, based on importance, urgency, and industry demand. Top-priority tasks include expanding government support to strengthen industrial competitiveness, broadening the designation of recyclable resources to secure raw materials, easing import restrictions, and developing demonstration technologies for rare earth recycling. MOTIE will actively incorporate these recommendations into the comprehensive Plan to Promote Critical Minerals Recycling, which is being developed this year through a joint task force of three ministries (MOTIE, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Environment). The ministry will continue efforts to boost Korea’s critical minerals recycling industry and enhance the stability of critical minerals supply chains.   date2025-09-25

Tariff Response 119 Expands On-Site Support System

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that Minister Kim chaired a roundtable with steel and aluminum derivative companies and visited the “Tariff Response 119 (1600-7119)” site at KOTRA on Monday, September 22. The visit was arranged to hear directly from companies most affected by U.S. tariff measures on steel and aluminum derivatives and to review the operation of the Tariff Response 119 support system. At the meeting, MOTIE announced plans to upgrade the existing Tariff Response 119 service into “Tariff Response 119 Plus.” Since its launch in February, Tariff Response 119 has received and provided consultations on 7,708 tariff-related cases as of September 18, establishing itself as an integrated consultation channel. However, challenges remained in resolving multi-agency issues and incorporating feedback into new policies and services. To address this, MOTIE will expand the functions of Tariff Response 119 beyond case reception, consultation, and program guidance to include resolving issues through inter-agency collaboration and feeding results back into new services and policies. Agencies attending the event, including the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, the Korea Institute of Origin Information, and other related organizations, will designate 119 officers to ensure issues that cannot be resolved by KOTRA alone are followed through to completion. MOTIE will continue to expand collaboration with export-related organizations and reflect analysis of tariff issue types and best practices into new services and policies. New services reflecting on-site needs will also be launched this month, including: (1) support for submitting company position papers on tariff issues to the U.S. government, (2) consulting on applications for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) e-ruling system, and (3) assistance in responding to CBP post-verification data requests. A specialized support program for steel and aluminum derivative companies will also be introduced, featuring a dedicated consultation desk and one-on-one advisory services with local U.S. experts. During the roundtable, industry representatives raised three main concerns: (1) declining price competitiveness due to tariffs, (2) difficulties in calculating content value for derivative products, and (3) limited access to tariff-related information. In response, MOTIE and related agencies pledged to accelerate implementation of the “Post-U.S. Tariff Negotiation Support Measures” announced on September 3 and to strengthen policy feedback through Tariff Response 119 Plus. Following the roundtable, Minister Kim visited the Steel Derivatives Tariff Response Briefing and Consultation Session held at KOTRA. The event provided around 200 steel and aluminum derivative companies with accurate updates on U.S. tariff policies and strategies to mitigate tariff burdens. More than 100 affected companies also took part in one-on-one consultations with lawyers and customs experts from Korea and the United States for tailored advice. Furthermore, a dedicated support booth was set up to showcase the “Ten On-Site Support Programs” announced on September 3, covering short-term management support, steel derivatives, burden reduction, and alternative market development, giving companies hands-on access to government services. Minister Kim toured the booth with a participating company (STU), checking tariff rates by HS code through the online tariff system and reviewing content value calculations for steel and aluminum derivatives. He then visited the consultation area to hear directly from company representatives. Minister Kim stressed, “In today’s changing trade environment, the priority is to develop support measures that reflect companies’ on-site needs. We will steadily implement the expansion of Tariff Response 119 into Tariff Response 119 date2025-09-23

7th Round of Korea–Thailand Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

Amid the global rise of protectionism and the prioritization of domestic industries, Korea is seeking to diversify its export markets and strengthen the competitiveness of its companies through a bilateral trade agreement with Thailand, one of ASEAN’s largest economies and its most promising markets. The 7th round of official negotiations for the Korea–Thailand Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is being held in Seoul from Monday, September 22, to Friday, September 25. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that the negotiations are being led by Noh Geon-gi, Director-General for Trade Negotiations at MOTIE, and Chotima Iemsawasdikul, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations at Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, heading delegations of around 70 officials from both sides. Since launching the first round last July, Korea and Thailand have held six official negotiations and an intersessional meeting in July this year, maintaining positive momentum in their discussions. In August, the two sides agreed to upgrade the title of the existing Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), reflecting the expanded scope of economic cooperation under discussion, including supply chains, SMEs, tourism, healthcare, labor, and the environment. At the 7th round, the two sides will continue discussions across seven areas, including goods, services, investment, digital, finance, and others, with the aim of laying the groundwork for an early conclusion of the negotiations. Director-General Noh stated, “The Korea–Thailand CEPA, true to its name, will not only expand market access between the two countries but also provide an institutional basis to promote cooperation in a wide range of sectors. The agreement will serve as a driving force to further boost bilateral trade and investment, build a broad foundation for economic cooperation, enhance consumer welfare in both countries, and deliver practical benefits to businesses by strengthening export competitiveness and diversifying overseas markets.”   date2025-09-23

11th International Conference on Hydrogen Safety

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that the 11th International Conference on Hydrogen Safety (ICHS) will be held at Lotte Hotel World in Seoul from Monday, September 22, to Friday, September 26. The conference will bring together experts from around the world to share the latest technologies and research developments in hydrogen safety and explore avenues for policy cooperation. Approximately 300 participants are expected to attend, including speakers from 24 countries and representatives from major governments and organizations. As the host country, Korea will use this opportunity to demonstrate its strong commitment to building a safe hydrogen economy—ensuring that hydrogen, as a core clean energy source of the future, develops in tandem with safety. Beginning Tuesday, September 23, the conference will feature keynote speeches from government and industry leaders, 163 research paper presentations, a site visit to the Incheon liquefied hydrogen plant, and promotional booths from eight Korean and international companies. These programs will facilitate discussions on hydrogen safety policies and technologies while highlighting the competitive strengths of Korean companies. In his keynote address, Park Deok-yeol, Director-General of the Hydrogen Economy Policy Bureau, stressed, “A hydrogen economy grounded in safety is essential to addressing the global climate crisis and achieving carbon neutrality. Hydrogen safety is not an issue for any single nation to handle alone; it requires close international cooperation. We hope this conference will serve as a turning point toward a safer, cleaner hydrogen society.”   date2025-09-23

Korea and Saudi Arabia Strengthen “Rafiq” (Companion) Partnership

Korea and Saudi Arabia, which is a key nation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, are expected to strengthen their economic partnership for a new era of growth. Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan attended the 95th Saudi National Day celebration hosted by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Seoul (Chargé d’Affaires Fahad Barakah) on Monday, September 22, to commemorate the long-standing friendship between the two countries and outline directions for future cooperation. In his congratulatory remarks, Minister Kim recalled that “since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962, Korea and Saudi Arabia have strengthened their cooperation as growth partners across diverse fields such as energy, construction, and manufacturing.” He emphasized that “as Saudi Arabia prepares for the post-oil era and Korea seeks another leap forward through an innovation-driven economy amid rapidly changing trade dynamics, it is time to elevate the value of our partnership and broaden its horizons toward a new era of growth.” He then outlined three key directions for bilateral cooperation: First, to establish the Korea–Saudi Vision 2030 Committee as a whole-of-government ministerial cooperation channel, laying the groundwork for the early launch of the Korea–Saudi Strategic Partnership Committee at the leaders’ level. Second, to expand cooperation into new areas, including advanced semiconductors, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and other high-tech sectors, as well as services such as culture and entertainment, including K-pop and K-dramas. Third, to extend successful Korea–Saudi economic cooperation models to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Levant, and ultimately the wider MENA region. In particular, he noted that Korea will work toward the swift signing and entry into force of the Korea–GCC Free Trade Agreement, concluded at the end of 2023, to further advance economic cooperation with the region. Minister Kim also introduced the Arabic concept of “Rafiq,” meaning a trusted companion who journeys together, and underscored his commitment to strengthening the Korea–Saudi partnership under this spirit.   date2025-09-23

Korea–Ukraine Discuss Economic Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that 1st Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak met with Marina Denysiuk, Deputy Minister of the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, on Friday, September 19, at the Government Complex Seoul to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Vice Minister Moon expressed deep sympathy for the Ukrainian people and communities severely affected by more than three years of war, noting that Korea also rose from the ruins of war and therefore deeply shares Ukraine’s hardships. He stressed that as a leading manufacturing country, Korea has significant potential for cooperation with Ukraine in plant and infrastructure construction and power equipment. He also noted that Ukraine, as one of the world’s major grain producers, could accelerate its agricultural recovery by working with Korean agricultural machinery equipped with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Deputy Minister Denysiuk thanked Korea for sharing its growth experience, saying it could provide valuable guidance for Ukraine’s reconstruction and future development. She emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation not only through government-to-government (G2G) channels but also business-to-business (B2B) partnerships. In particular, she expressed strong interest in Korea’s support programs for small-scale independent power grids, or microgrids, highlighting them as essential infrastructure for community recovery. Vice Minister Moon stated, “We hope peace will be restored in Ukraine as soon as possible. Following the end of the war, we look forward to Ukrainian support so that Korean companies, with their extensive experience and technological expertise, can contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction.”   date2025-09-19

Korea’s Auto Industry Maintains Growth Momentum in August

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on September 16 that Korea’s automobile exports, domestic sales, and production all increased year-on-year in August, marking the second consecutive month of growth. Automobile exports rose 8.6 percent to $5.5 billion, the highest August level on record. Cumulative exports for January–August also set a new record at $47.7 billion. By region, exports to the EU climbed 54.0 percent to $0.8 billion, while exports to non-EU European countries soared 73.2 percent to $0.6 billion. Exports of eco-friendly vehicles increased 26.6 percent to 69,000 units, continuing eight straight months of growth. Electric vehicle (EV) exports surged 78.4 percent to 23,000 units. Domestic automobile sales grew 8.3 percent to 139,000 units. Eco-friendly vehicles accounted for 50.7 percent of total sales, with 70,000 units sold (up 36.1 percent year-on-year). EV sales in particular rose 55.7 percent to 24,000 units. Cumulative EV sales for January–August reached 141,000 units, nearly matching the full-year 2024 total. Automobile production increased 7.1 percent year-on-year to 321,000 units, the highest August figure since 2013, supported by solid demand in both export and domestic markets.   date2025-09-17

Korea-South Africa Insight Forum cohosted by MOTIE and South African Embassy to ROK

The economic cooperation with the Republic of South Africa (herein referred to as RSA) is expected to be invigorated. RSA is the largest economy in Africa and one of the emerging markets among the Global South countries. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (Minister Jung-kwan KIM, herein referred to as MOTIE) held the Korea-South Africa Insight Forum in collaboration with the South African Embassy in Seoul (Ambassador Sindi Mququ) to expand cooperation with RSA, this year's host to G20 Summit on Wednesday, 17 September at the Diplomacy Center located in Yangjae-dong. * RSA, which recorded the largest GDP (400.2 billion dollars) in Africa as of 2024, is Korea’s second largest trading partner in Africa with its trading volume standing at 3.3 billion dollars. The upcoming G20 trade and investment ministerial meeting to be held on 10 October and the G20 Summit scheduled from 22 to 23 November will serve as a momentum to promote the intergovernmental exchange by high-ranking officials from ROK and RSA. Therefore, the participants in the forum discussed various areas for cooperation including manufacturing, supply chain, energy, critical minerals, and infrastructure development. * The participants included Mr. Jongchul Kim, Director General, Bureau of International Trade relations at MOTIE; Ms. Sindi Mququ, Ambassador Young-chae Kim, Chairman of the Korea-Africa Foundation, South African Ambassador to Korea; Mr Timothy Dickens, Chairman of the SA Chamber of Commerce in Seoul; Mr Jong-woo Lee, team leader of Hyosung Heavy Industry; Dr Moon-su Kang, of KIEP; Mr Sang-hyun Seo, chief researcher of POSCO Research Institute; Mr Sung-hyuck Yoon, advisor of DR AJU and former executive officer for African market of Samsung Electronics. In particular, as RSA has recently been focusing on modernization of power infrastructure and supply of clean energy to stabilize power supply and conduct energy transition, Korea is highly likely to cooperate with RSA since Korea holds excellent capability in technologies especially for power generation facility, grid, ESS (Energy Storage System). RSA is also rich in critical minerals, with its production of platinum, manganese, and chrome ranking first in the world. Therefore, a possibility to cooperate in supply chain of critical minerals was also explored in the forum. In addition, the forum also addressed ways to expand trade between Korea and Africa, leveraging RSA as a foothold to cooperate with the South African region as well as the Pan African market, with the implementation of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Mr. Jongchul Kim, Director General, bureau of International Trade relations at MOTIE, said “RSA is the gateway for Korea to expand cooperation with Africa. This year’s G20 Summit will serve as a momentum for Korea to seek ways to cooperate with RSA in areas including trade, investment, industry and energy.” In response, Ms. Sindi Mququ, South African Ambassador to Korea said “Through South Africa’s G20 Presidency, we are mobilising finance for Just Energy Transition and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and development. Therefore, South Africa-South Korea collaboration is of critical importance and mutually beneficial”. date2025-09-17