Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Korea’s 2026 First-Quarter Foreign Direct Investment Rises 0.1% to $6.4 Billion

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Korea’s foreign direct investment (FDI) notifications for the first quarter of 2026 rose 0.1 percent year-on-year to USD 6.4 billion, marking the second-highest first-quarter total on record. Actual inflows reached $7.1 billion, the highest first-quarter level on record. Despite a subdued global investment environment and unexpected geopolitical risks, including the conflict in the Middle East, Korea maintained FDI growth in the first quarter. This suggests that foreign investors remain confident in Korea’s investment environment. In particular, foreign investment continued in advanced manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors and secondary batteries, as well as in AI data centers and offshore wind. This indicates that the momentum from last year’s record $36.1 billion in annual FDI notifications has carried into 2026. By type, greenfield investment notifications fell 19.8 percent year-on-year to $3.7 billion amid global investment uncertainty, while M&A notifications rose 53.4 percent to $2.7 billion. By industry, manufacturing investment fell 47.6 percent year-on-year to $1.2 billion. Investment declined in electrical and electronics (down 30.1 percent to $370 million) and in machinery and medical precision equipment (down 75.6 percent to $40 million), but increased in chemicals (up 4.5 percent to $400 million) and non-metallic minerals (up 23.9 percent to $180 million). Meanwhile, services investment rose 21.5 percent year-on-year to $4.3 billion, the highest first-quarter level on record. Growth was led by finance and insurance (up 21.2 percent to $2.6 billion), distribution (up 43.0 percent to $570 million), and information and communications (up 183.6 percent to $240 million). By source country, investment from the United States increased 20.9 percent year-on-year to $1.0 billion, led by information and communications, chemicals, and distribution. Investment from the European Union totaled $1.4 billion (down 4.1 percent), with gains in chemicals and electricity and gas offset by declines in pharmaceuticals and finance and insurance. Investment from Japan fell to $350 million (down 71.1 percent), while investment from China declined to $270 million (down 19.4 percent). In response to external uncertainty, MOTIR will step up investment promotion in strategic sectors, expand regional investment incentives, and address difficulties faced by foreign-invested companies to improve the investment environment. date2026-04-03

MOTIR Meets Major French Companies on Closer Investment and Industrial Cooperation to Deepen Korea-France Economic Ties

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) met with a delegation from Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF), France’s largest business organization, in Seoul on April 2, 2026, to discuss ways to expand Korea–France economic cooperation. Against a global trade backdrop shaped by U.S.–China strategic competition, instability in the Middle East, and Russia-related geopolitical risks, the meeting focused on stepping up engagement with major French companies, deepening Korea–France investment and industrial cooperation, and expanding cooperation in advanced industries, energy, and supply chains. The meeting was attended by François Jackow, chairman of MEDEF’s France–Korea Business Council, and around 30 business representatives from about 20 French companies, including Air Liquide, TotalEnergies, Veolia, and OPmobility. The participating companies came from a range of industries, including industrial gases, energy, environmental services, and auto parts. At the meeting, the French companies shared their views on investment projects in Korea, Korea’s policies to support foreign investment, the current state and future direction of the energy sector, and energy security, opening broader discussions on expanding bilateral industrial cooperation. Trade Minister Yeo said, “As the global economy is being reshaped by the energy transition and rapid technological change, cooperation between Korea and France in strategic industries such as semiconductors, eco-friendly vehicles, and low-carbon supply chains is essential.” He added, “Korea and France can strengthen their competitiveness in global markets by combining their technological strengths and industrial bases.” He noted that Korea would continue to improve the investment environment so that global companies can invest with confidence. Building on the meeting and the Korea-France summit scheduled for April 3, 2026, MOTIR will broaden engagement with French companies and continue working toward tangible outcomes in key areas such as the energy transition, advanced industries, and supply chain cooperation. date2026-04-02

Korea to Step Up EV and Nickel Ecosystem Cooperation with Indonesia, ASEAN’s Largest Economy

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in South Korea hosted the Korea–Indonesia Business Forum at The Shilla Seoul on April 1, 2026. Held in conjunction with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s official visit to Korea, the forum brought together about 300 participants from the governments, public institutions, and businesses of both countries. At the forum, the two sides discussed industrial ecosystem cooperation in electric vehicles and steel as a means to further deepen bilateral economic cooperation. They also exchanged views on strategies to expand cooperation into new areas such as bioindustry and consumer goods. Indonesia’s Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry (BKPM), together with Korea’s POSCO, LG Energy Solution, and Hyundai Motor Company, presented plans to establish supply chains and build industrial ecosystems. Indonesia’s Danantara and JAPFA, along with Korea’s SK Plasma and CJ CheilJedang, also discussed strengthening cooperation in bioindustry and consumer goods. The forum included the exchange of nine memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and three letters of intent (LOIs) between Korean and Indonesian companies across industry, energy, construction, and finance. The exchange took place in the presence of Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo. “Through this business forum, Korea and Indonesia should expand trade and investment, deepen manufacturing cooperation, and strengthen critical mineral supply chains to generate mutually beneficial outcomes and grow together on that basis,” Trade Minister Yeo said. Korea’s innovation capabilities in advanced industries and Indonesia’s abundant resources make the two countries complementary economic partners. The Korea–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which entered into force in 2023, has strengthened that partnership. Under the agreement, Indonesia eliminated tariffs on 93 percent of tariff lines and Korea on 95.5 percent. Since the CEPA entered into force, Korea’s semiconductor exports to Indonesia have risen 12.3 percent, from USD 453.0 million in 2023 to USD 509.0 million in 2025. Over the same period, Indonesia’s exports of ferroalloys and steel scrap to Korea rose 185.7 percent, from USD 98.0 million to USD 280.0 million. The Korean government will continue to monitor private-sector cooperation outcomes from the forum through a task force on summit-linked economic events. It will also support Korean companies so that the MOUs signed with Indonesian partners translate into tangible projects. date2026-04-02

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