Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Korea to Develop its Own NTE Report

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) chaired the Public-Private Meeting on Strengthening Responses to Trade Barriers on Tuesday, November 18, at Seoul Trade Tower. The meeting was attended by representatives from the government, industry associations, and related organizations. Through recent meetings and site visits with the K-beauty and K-fashion industries, Minister Yeo heard firsthand that non-tariff barriers—such as certification and customs clearance requirements—pose significant challenges to Korea’s consumer goods exports in both advanced and developing markets. Building on these field insights, the meeting conducted a comprehensive review of Korea’s current trade barrier response system and held in-depth discussions on improvement measures. MOTIR announced that it will work jointly with relevant ministries and agencies to publish the Korean version of the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report in the first half of next year. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), based on U.S. trade law, publishes the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers every year, assessing the trade environment and major tariff and non-tariff measures in approximately 60 trading partners. MOTIR also plans to analyze foreign measures that disadvantage Korean firms and compile key findings into a consolidated “Trade Barrier Database” to improve industry access and usability. MOTIR will also institutionalize the Public-Private Trade Barrier Response Council to convene twice a year, enabling systematic information-sharing and coordinated response strategies. Progress on bilateral dialogues, FTA joint committees, and other relevant discussions will be monitored through quarterly review meetings to ensure a seamless public-private response mechanism to trade barriers. Trade Minister Yeo emphasized that “although the Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations have been concluded, the global trade environment has entered a structural new normal, requiring more assertive trade policies to address trade barriers. As the control tower, the Ministry of Trade will mobilize public and private capabilities and actively support the overseas expansion of K-beauty and K-fashion companies.” MOTIR will also launch a dedicated task force within the year to prepare the Korean NTE Report. date2025-11-20

Korea and the UAE to Jointly Advance the UAE Stargate Project

The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyung-hoon), the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE, Minister Kim Sung-whan), the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF, Minister Chun Jae-soo), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan), and the National AI Strategy Committee announced that, on the occasion of President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to the United Arab Emirates, Korea and the UAE will significantly expand bilateral cooperation, including Korea’s participation in the UAE’s Stargate Project—one of the world’s largest AI-infrastructure initiatives.   To position Korea as a “top-three global AI leader,” the government has strengthened its AI innovation ecosystem across infrastructure, technology, and talent through cooperation with global partners such as BlackRock, OpenAI, and NVIDIA. Aiming to establish itself as the “AI Capital of Asia,” Korea views strategic partnerships with key nations as essential to leading the competitive global market. Cooperation with the UAE marks the first large-scale effort in extending Korea’s accumulated capabilities into overseas markets, signaling Korea’s full-fledged entry into the global AI race.   Strategic AI Cooperation Framework   Korea’s National AI Strategy Committee and the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC) signed the Strategic AI Cooperation Framework, agreeing to deepen comprehensive collaboration in the AI sector. Priority areas include AI investment and infrastructure development, AI supply-chain expansion, the acceleration of AI and advanced-technology adoption, and AI R&D. Under this framework, the two countries will cooperate widely from AI technology and application development to the construction of AI-energy infrastructure.   During the summit, the two countries agreed to jointly pursue major projects for shared prosperity and development. The first initiative is the Energy-Mix-Based Hyperscale AI Data Center Project, which involves constructing a large-scale AI data center in the UAE. To ensure stable operation, the project will integrate nuclear, gas, and renewable energy sources into the power grid, while also expanding cooperation in semiconductor supply chains.   The UAE Stargate Project alone is expected to involve initial investments exceeding KRW 30 trillion, providing substantial opportunities for Korean companies in energy, batteries, climate-tech solutions, AI startups, and firms with experience in AI data centers to enter the global market.   The second initiative is a physical-AI–based smart-port and logistics project. Korea will leverage its experience operating fully automated terminals and applying data-driven physical AI to help the UAE develop highly efficient automated and intelligent ports. Busan Port and Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port will serve as testbeds for joint demonstration and validation. This cooperation will not only create growth opportunities for Korean physical-AI technology companies but also support the global expansion of AI-driven port and logistics systems. It represents a major step forward for both countries as emerging leaders in smart ports and logistics.   MOU to Expand AI-Sector Exchanges   MSIT and the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence signed an MOU to expand cooperation in the AI sector, supporting exchanges among research institutions, companies, and experts; facilitating private-sector engagement; and promoting AI investment. The MOU also outlines cooperation to enable Korean AI companies to participate in UAE AI-data-center construction and sector-specific AI transformation projects. To sustain cooperation, MSIT and the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence agreed to establish a director-level bilatera date2025-11-19

Korea and the UAE Establish CEPA Economic Cooperation Committee and Sign MOU to Accelerate Nuclear Export Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that, immediately following the Korea–UAE summit held on Tuesday, November 18, and in the presence of President Lee Jae Myung and UAE leaders, the two countries signed two memoranda of understanding (MOUs). These agreements establish a Korea–UAE CEPA Economic Cooperation Committee ahead of the agreement’s entry into force and accelerate cooperation in nuclear-energy technology development, efficient nuclear-plant operations, and third-country nuclear exports. MOTIR Minister Kim Jung-kwan and Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, signed the MOU on the Administration and Operation of the Korea–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Economic Cooperation Committee. The Korea–UAE CEPA, formally signed in May 2024 and currently undergoing parliamentary ratification, is Korea’s first FTA with a Middle Eastern country and holds significant meaning. With this MOU, both sides have proactively established an operational framework so that concrete cooperation programs can begin immediately once the agreement enters into force. MOTIR plans to activate the committee as soon as CEPA takes effect, identify priority areas for bilateral cooperation, and enhance the agreement’s implementation. In addition, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) signed the MOU on Nuclear New Technologies, AI, and Global Market Cooperation. Through this partnership, the two countries will expand cooperation to ensure stable and reliable nuclear-plant operations, including joint training programs for junior engineers and data specialists, and increased exchanges between universities and research institutes. The two sides will also enhance predictive maintenance, operational-environment simulation, and digitalization of plant data by leveraging AI and digital technologies. Building on these advancements, they agreed to expand the Barakah cooperation model to a global level and pursue joint entry into third-country nuclear markets. MOTIR stated that the two MOUs will activate practical cooperation platforms that bring together both governments and private-sector entities in trade and nuclear-export fields. The ministry added that it will strengthen follow-up measures for joint projects and actively support Korean companies operating in the UAE. date2025-11-19

MOTIR Holds 2025 World Class Product Certification Ceremony

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) held the 2025 World Class Product of Korea Certification Ceremony on Tuesday, November 18, at Lotte Hotel World in Seoul, presenting certificates to 83 newly selected items and 88 companies designated as World Class Products and World Class Product producers. The World Class Product designation program, launched in 2001, annually selects world-class export products and their producers to diversify Korea’s export portfolio and strengthen future growth engines. This year, 27 items—including TC Bonder (semiconductor bonding equipment) and telecommunications semiconductor substrates—and 31 companies were selected as Current World Class Products, while 56 items and 57 companies were selected as Next Generation World Class Products. A business consultation event was held alongside the ceremony, bringing together 100 overseas buyers and 150 participating companies, including World Class Product producers. A total of 11 export contracts and MOUs valued at USD 16.3 million were signed. Side events included the Industrial AI Forum and a 1:1 job consultation session for middle market enterprises. Director General for Middle Market Enterprise Policy Choi Yeon-woo stated, “Despite an increasingly challenging trade environment due to rising protectionism, Korea’s export growth is driven by companies striving to produce world-class products.” He added, “The government will continue to provide strong support by strengthening industrial competitiveness and sustaining Korea’s export momentum.” date2025-11-19

Graphene Square Opens Pohang Plant, Advancing Graphene Commercialization and Regional Growth

The opening ceremony for Graphene Square’s new Pohang plant—one of the region’s key relocated enterprises—was held on Tuesday, November 18, in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Graphene Square is the world’s first company to commercialize mass-synthesis technology for graphene and apply it to real-world products. Using its chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-based graphene synthesis technology, the company leads the global market in large-scale production and commercialization of high-quality graphene. The newly completed Pohang plant establishes the world’s first mass-production system for CVD graphene films, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 square meters. This marks a major starting point for full-scale graphene commercialization. It is also expected to serve as an important milestone in Korea’s balanced national development, positioning Pohang—designated in August as an Industrial Crisis Response Area—as a rising hub for the graphene industry alongside steel. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) has consistently supported the graphene industry by providing R&D assistance for graphene-related technologies and by designating Graphene Square’s technology as an “advanced technology” under the Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology in September. MOTIR also contributed to the establishment of the Pohang plant by providing Local Investment Promotion Subsidies, aiding Pohang’s efforts to attract the facility. In his congratulatory remarks, Kim Seong-yeol, Director General for Industrial Infrastructure at MOTIR, stated, "Graphene is a core material that will determine competitiveness in future high-tech industries. The government will continue to support the graphene industry through various measures such as identifying new applications and improving regulatory conditions.” He added, “Attracting the graphene plant to Pohang demonstrates that regions outside the Seoul metropolitan area can secure major high-tech industries, providing a successful model for balanced national development that goes beyond simple regional parity and enables genuine regional growth. Building on the ‘5-Poles, 3-Specialized Zones’ strategy, we will continue to create a favorable investment environment by improving infrastructure and living conditions, expanding local investment subsidies, and supporting regional efforts to attract innovative companies.” date2025-11-18

MOTIR to Fund KRW 120 Billion for High-Tech Materials, Parts, and Equipment Firms, Catalyzing KRW 550 Billion in Investment

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) convened the Technical Subcommittee under the National High-Tech Strategic Industry Committee on Tuesday, November 18, and finalized the selection of 21 companies for the “Investment Fund for Materials, Parts, and Equipment SMEs and Mid-sized Enterprises in National High-Tech Strategic Industries.” Selected major firms include Soulbrain (semiconductor materials), Jusung Engineering (semiconductor equipment), Dongwha Electrolyte (electrolyte for secondary batteries), and Amicogen (biotechnology culture media). The Investment Fund was newly established this year with KRW 70 billion in national funding to promote domestic investment in high-tech industries such as semiconductors and secondary batteries. The government received a total of 62 investment proposals amounting to KRW 1.2 trillion (with requests totaling approximately KRW 210 billion in national funding). Following document screening and presentation evaluations, MOTIR plans to provide KRW 121.1 billion in investment support—including contributions from local governments—to companies across four high-tech sectors: semiconductors, secondary batteries, biotechnology, and displays. Final recipients will receive project funding immediately upon completing administrative procedures, including signing project agreements with the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), the program’s implementing agency.  During the meeting, Director General for Industrial Policy Park Dong-il stated, “As global competition over supply chains intensifies, the Investment Fund will serve as a catalyst for expanding domestic production and research infrastructure.” He added, “MOTIR will continue to actively expand investment in the materials, parts, and equipment sector—the core foundation of industrial competitiveness—to strengthen the capabilities of Korean firms, increase localization rates, and ensure the stable growth of Korea’s high-tech industrial ecosystem.” MOTIR also noted that, with the program expanding to six eligible sectors beginning next year—including robotics and defense—the ministry is securing KRW 100 billion in national funding for the government budget in consultation with fiscal authorities. date2025-11-18

Middle Market Enterprises Lead Export Diversification to the New Southern Region

The 2025 International Cooperation Meet-up Day for Middle Market Enterprises, hosted by the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea (FOMEK) and the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA), was held on Monday, November 17, at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul. The event brought together around 80 participants, including FOMEK Chairman Choi Jin-shik, KOIMA President Youn Young-mi, MOTIR Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, Dato' Mohd Zamruni bin Khalid, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of Korea, other ASEAN ambassadors stationed in Korea, and representatives from Dongsung and Sempio. Although middle market enterprises (MMEs) account for only 1.3 percent of all Korean companies, they represent 21 percent of Korea’s exports to ASEAN. In 2024, exports by MMEs grew 2.7 percent year-on-year, while their exports to ASEAN increased by 7.6 percent, underscoring their pivotal role in diversifying Korea’s export portfolio toward the New Southern region. Hyundai Research Institute, which delivered a presentation at the event, stated, “To expand MME networks in ASEAN, it is essential for Korea and ASEAN to jointly explore measures such as R&D cooperation in new industries and technologies to respond to the AI revolution, as well as the strengthening of soft-power capabilities in areas such as distribution, logistics, and culture.” Trade Minister Yeo attended the event and discussed follow-up measures to the Korea–ASEAN Summit held in Malaysia in October with Dato' Mohd Zamruni Khalid, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of Korea, and other ASEAN ambassadors stationed in Korea. In his welcome remarks, he emphasized, “ASEAN has emerged as Korea’s second-largest region for trade and investment. As the core of the New Southern region, we will work to upgrade the Korea–ASEAN FTA with a focus on digital trade and actively resolve non-tariff and other trade barriers that hinder the overseas expansion of our middle market enterprises.” date2025-11-17

MOTIR and Relevant Ministries Discuss Trade Follow-up Measures after Korea–U.S. Tariff Negotiations

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) convened the 51st Trade Promotion Committee meeting on Monday, November 17, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Seoul. Relevant ministries participated in the meeting, which was chaired by Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, to discuss follow-up measures for trade-related commitments outlined in the “Korea–U.S. Joint Fact Sheet” released on November 14. The Joint Fact Sheet covers issues related to non-tariff measures and economic security cooperation in various areas, including automobiles, agriculture, digital services, competition, intellectual property, labor, and the environment. In the meeting, the MOTIR explained the outcome of the Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations and reviewed the follow-up actions required from relevant agencies with the participants. Based on the discussions, the MOTIR will discuss implementation measures with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in the Korea–U.S. FTA Joint Committee meeting tentatively planned for December. Trade Minister Yeo stated, “The tariff negotiations went through an arduous process before reaching the final agreement. It is essential that we thoroughly implement the follow-up measures with regard to non-tariff issues to ensure that the Korea–U.S. trade environment is managed in a stable and predictable manner.” He added, “As Korea’s chief representative to the Korea–U.S. FTA Joint Committee, I ask for the close cooperation of all relevant ministries to bring the non-tariff consultations to a smooth conclusion. date2025-11-17