Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

K-Consumer Goods Take Center Stage in New York as Korean Wave Captivates the U.S.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA, President and CEO Kang Kyung Sung) held the “Korea Brand & Entertainment Expo (KBEE) 2025 NEW YORK” from November 6 to 8, 2025, at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey. Now in its 25th edition, the KBEE leverages the growing global popularity of the Korean Wave to promote Korea's promising consumer goods and services, support their entry into overseas markets, and enhance brand recognition. As the first KBEE held in North America, this year’s edition was designed to expand the global reach of K-consumer goods and provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with more opportunities to engage directly with local consumers and buyers by linking K-culture and lifestyle products. The KBEE 2025 NEW YORK brought together 335 companies from Korea and abroad, attracting approximately 20,000 visitors over three days. About 100 Korean companies specializing in premium consumer goods, including K-beauty, food, and fashion, held export consultations with 235 buyers from North America and Latin America. The opening ceremony was attended by Lee Sang-ho, Acting Consul General of the Republic of Korea in New York, and KOTRA President Kang Kyung Sung. The event also featured celebratory performances and fan events with Hallyu ambassadors Ha Ji-won, Taemin, and Hwasa, further heightening the excitement. Amid the rising popularity of K-content in the United States, demand for K-consumer goods continues to grow. In 2024, K-beauty ranked first among imported cosmetics in the United States, while exports of K-food—led by products such as ramen and dried seaweed—increased by an annual average of 10 percent over the past decade, establishing a strong foothold in the local market. MOTIR leveraged the KBEE to support the overseas expansion of various Korean consumer goods and content, including K-food, K-beauty, and K-merchandise. To facilitate retail entry and expand sales, the ministry also organized O2O-based showcases in collaboration with major local distribution networks. In addition, MOTIR plans to hold another KBEE in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in December 2025 to further diversify export markets for K-consumer goods. A MOTIR official stated, “The export strategy linking K-culture and K-consumer goods in North America has created meaningful momentum for SMEs seeking to expand overseas. We will continue to diversify export markets through events such as the New York and upcoming Malaysia KBEEs, and strengthen policy support to help K-consumer goods grow into global brands.” date2025-11-10

Korea and Australia Launch Joint Project to Strengthen Supply Chain Capabilities in Developing Countries

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that it will jointly implement the IMPACT Project (Supply Chain Identification, Monitoring, Preparation and Action Capability Training Project) with the Australian government to enhance supply chain crisis response capabilities in developing countries across the Indo-Pacific region.   As the chair of the Crisis Response Network (CRN) under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), Korea successfully hosted a supply chain crisis response simulation exercise in Seoul in October 2025. Building on that achievement, MOTIR is expanding regional supply chain cooperation through the IMPACT Project, which has been co-developed with the Australian government since June 2024. Recognizing the need to strengthen developing countries’ supply chain capabilities during IPEF negotiations, Korea and Australia secured the necessary funding through close consultations and developed a training program to improve practical crisis response capacity across the region.   The IMPACT Project consists of three stages: (1) preliminary assessment of national supply chain capabilities, (2) local training, and (3) evaluation and follow-up measures. The local training sessions will offer practical education tailored to each country’s priorities, based on training materials jointly developed by Korea and Australia. Topics include identifying key supply chains, data-driven management, governance frameworks, and disruption response. Starting with Indonesia and Thailand, MOTIR plans to provide tailored local training programs to a total of seven IPEF member countries—including Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Fiji—by the end of 2026, helping to enhance their supply chain management and crisis response capabilities. Lee Jae-keun, Director General for New Trade Strategy and Policy at MOTIR, stated, “Following the recent crisis response simulation under the IPEF network, the IMPACT Project will serve as a practical follow-up initiative to strengthen developing countries’ operational capabilities and further stabilize regional supply chains. As supply chain resilience in critical minerals and high-tech industries has become a global priority, this project will reinforce Korea’s role as a key partner in regional cooperation.” date2025-11-10

K-Beauty Expands Global Reach with New Export Models

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) visited the headquarters of SILICON2, a cosmetics distribution company, on Thursday, November 6, 2025, to review Korea’s cosmetics export performance and hear firsthand from industry representatives about the challenges faced when entering global markets. Korea’s cosmetics exports reached a record USD 10.2 billion in 2024 and totaled USD 9.42 billion as of October 2025 (up 11.9 percent year-on-year). Export destinations are also diversifying beyond the U.S. and Japan to include Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. SILICON2, a cosmetics distribution specialist that operates StyleKorean.com—Korea’s largest e-commerce platform for cross-border direct-to-consumer (D2C) beauty sales—features over 500 Korean beauty brands in 150 countries. The company also runs MOIDA, a chain of overseas stores located in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Indonesia, further expanding its global presence. MOTIR plans to provide comprehensive support to help the rapidly growing K-beauty industry, driven by the global popularity of the Korean Wave, expand its presence in international markets. First, to promote D2C exports, the ministry will introduce new programs in 2026 to support the development of global online malls and delivery and payment service solutions. Second, through its consumer goods trade hubs, MOTIR will offer hands-on assistance to Korean cosmetics companies in addressing challenges such as logistics, certification, and legal compliance when entering overseas markets. Lastly, the ministry will actively support participation in major international beauty exhibitions and facilitate entry into local and global online and offline distribution channels. Trade Minister Yeo stated, “Korea’s cosmetics industry has strengthened its global presence with trendy products and innovative technologies, but growing protectionism and import regulations could pose challenges to future expansion. MOTIR will continue to identify and address these issues while fostering new export models, such as D2C exports, so that K-beauty can reach consumers around the world more directly.” date2025-11-07

Korea to Invest KRW 940.8 Billion in Advanced Medical Device R&D Over Seven Years

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bae Kyung-hoon), the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong), and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS, Minister Oh Yu-kyoung) announced plans to launch the second phase of the Inter-Ministerial Advanced Medical Device R&D Program, investing a total of KRW 940.8 billion (KRW 838.3 billion in government funding and KRW 102.5 billion in private investment) over seven years from 2026 to 2032. The program aims to develop six breakthrough medical devices that are world-first or world-leading, and to localize 13 essential medical devices. This inter-ministerial initiative will support the entire R&D cycle—from basic and fundamental research to commercialization, clinical trials, and regulatory approval. In particular, it will focus on future growth areas such as AI- and robotics-based medical devices, strengthening global competitiveness and fostering the medical device industry as a national growth engine. Building on the success of the first phase Inter-Ministerial Full-Cycle Medical Device R&D Program (2020–2024), the new initiative passed the preliminary feasibility study for national R&D programs in August 2025. During the first phase, a total of 467 projects were supported, resulting in 433 regulatory approvals (331 domestic and 102 overseas), 72 technology transfers, and 254 cases of commercialization over the past five years. Notable achievements include the localization of hemodialysis filters, which were previously fully imported, and the development of the world’s first AI-based stroke diagnostic support software. The government plans to continue full-cycle R&D support through this follow-up program to ensure these achievements are sustained. To that end, the four ministries held a joint briefing session on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the President Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, to present details of the program’s second phase. The session aimed to improve understanding among researchers from industry, academia, research institutes, and medical institutions and to encourage active participation. It covered the program’s main features, participation guidelines for 2026 projects, and key schedules, followed by a Q&A session and on-site feedback. The government emphasized that this initiative is a cross-ministerial collaboration to support the development of advanced medical devices as a national growth driver and reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing communication with researchers to reflect their input and ensure the program’s successful implementation. date2025-11-06

Korea Launches K-Quantum Industry Alliance to Accelerate Commercialization

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the launch event for the “K-Quantum Industry Alliance” on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Lotte Hotel Seoul. The event was attended by Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak, Rep. Lee Eon-ju, a Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and about 150 participants from quantum technology suppliers and user companies, universities, research institutes, financial institutions, and support organizations. This launch marks an important step toward shifting Korea’s quantum technology ecosystem from research-institute-led R&D to industry-driven application and expansion. Participating companies, universities, financial institutions, and support organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate closely in promoting the industrialization of quantum technology. The MOU covers key areas such as developing industry-specific use cases, improving standards and regulations, and supporting global expansion.   Overview of the K-Quantum Industry Alliance MOU Date & Venue: November 5, 2025 (Wed) / Garnet Suite, Lotte Hotel Seoul Participants (34 organizations in total): User Companies: Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, Hanwha Ocean, Samsung Biologics, Hyosung Advanced Materials, LIG Nex1, EcoPro, JW Holdings Suppliers: Taihan Fiberoptics, Wooriro, Wooshin Technical Research, MICROINFINITY, Withwave, Korea Advanced Materials, SDT, PharmCADD, QuantumKelvin Universities: GIST, Pai Chai University, Yonsei University, Jeonbuk National University Financial Institutions: KB Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, Hana Bank, IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, Korea Technology Finance Corporation, Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, POSCO Investment Support Organizations: KOTRA, KIAT, KEIT, KTL, Korea Industry Alliance Forum, Korea Quantum Association  Main Agenda: Joint efforts to identify new projects and policy proposals, develop industry use cases, foster talent, and support global expansion   In addition, MOTIR announced the Quantum Technology Industrialization Project, which aims to localize key quantum components and materials, including superconducting quantum processing unit (QPU) packaging and cryocoolers. The ministry will also expand quantum software development and verification to address industrial challenges. It will establish a quantum-supercomputing integrated platform with hands-on training programs linking academia and industry, enabling companies to design and apply quantum models directly.   date2025-11-06

Korea Hosts “Global Certification Trend 2025” to Support Consumer Goods Exporters

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) hosted the “Global Certification Trend 2025” event on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the SETEC Convention Center. The event was co-hosted with the Overseas Certification Support Network and major global certification bodies. The European Union has established the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to promote global environmental protection, including the introduction of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) for textile products. The Cyber Resilience Act will also strengthen security requirements for digital products and mandate related certifications. Both measures are set to take effect in 2027. Meanwhile, Indonesia plans to make halal certification mandatory for food and cosmetics beginning in October 2026, and India is set to introduce BIS certification for machinery and electrical equipment in September 2026 to enhance industrial safety—reflecting a broader trend of tightening certification systems across emerging markets. The event was designed to help Korean companies prepare for these evolving global technical regulations and certification systems by providing updates on the latest certification trends in the United States, the EU, and emerging markets, focusing on consumer goods such as cosmetics, food, and textiles. It also introduced comprehensive export-support programs offered by organizations including KOTRA and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) to assist companies in developing export strategies for the coming year. In his keynote address, Professor Sung Yun-mo of Chung-Ang University presented on “Response Strategies for Korean Exporters Amid Global Trade Environment Changes,” outlining strategies for maintaining export competitiveness amid tightening trade regulations in major economies such as the U.S. and the EU. KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “Countries around the world are continuously strengthening their technical regulations and certification systems to protect their environment, safety, and industries. We will continue to strengthen overseas certification support services to help Korean exporters navigate complex certification procedures more efficiently and achieve greater export success.” date2025-11-05

MOTIR and The Korea Society Explore Ways to Strengthen Korea–U.S. Cooperation

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with Thomas Byrne, President of The Korea Society, in Seoul on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to exchange views on ways to enhance Korea–U.S. economic cooperation. Established in 1957, The Korea Society is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between Korea and the United States through a wide range of policy forums, seminars, and educational programs across politics, economics, culture, and education. Trade Minister Yeo highlighted that Korea has been actively supporting the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing and job creation through large-scale greenfield investments, and has established itself as a major importer of U.S. energy and agricultural products such as LNG and crude oil. He underscored the close trade and investment ties between both countries and noted that implementing the USD 150 billion in direct investment plans announced by Korean companies in August 2025, along with the USD 350 billion strategic investment MOU reached as part of the Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations on October 29, 2025, would further strengthen bilateral industrial supply chains. Trade Minister Yeo also conveyed Korean companies’ concerns over the recent detention of Korean workers at a plant in Georgia, urging President Byrne to help ensure that such incidents do not recur. He requested The Korea Society’s support in developing fundamental solutions, emphasizing the need to ensure smooth entry and stable investment conditions for Korean business personnel in the short term, and to establish a new visa category in the longer term. date2025-11-04

Governments and Industry Leaders from Six Major Semiconductor-Producing Economies Gather in Busan

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that the 26th Government/Authorities Meeting on Semiconductors (GAMS) will be held in Busan from Tuesday, November 4 to Thursday, November 6, 2025. Korea will chair this year’s meeting, presided over by Choi Woo-hyuk, Director General for Advanced Industry Policy at MOTIR. The meeting will bring together around 100 participants, including director-general–level officials and industry leaders from member economies. Overview of GAMS Established in 1999 based on a joint statement by the four founding members—Korea, the United States, Japan, and the European Union—GAMS later added Taiwan (2000) and China (2006) as associate members. The annual meeting rotates among member economies and reviews the outcomes and policy recommendations of the World Semiconductor Council (WSC), which represents the global semiconductor industry, and discusses relevant government policy responses. GAMS sessions begin with reports from the WSC on its activities and policy proposals, followed by intergovernmental consultations and the adoption of a Chair’s Statement. This year, the WSC has proposed major agenda items including semiconductor policy trends, environmental protection (PFAS regulations and greenhouse gas reduction efforts), HS code revisions for semiconductor products, and intellectual property protection. During the three-day event, the six participating economies will also hold bilateral meetings to exchange views on key semiconductor issues and conduct in-depth discussions on other related matters. In his keynote address, Director General Choi stated, “With the rapid development of artificial intelligence driving a sharp increase in global semiconductor demand, ensuring a stable semiconductor supply chain has become more critical than ever.” He added, “As a leading semiconductor-producing country, Korea will demonstrate strong leadership as this year’s GAMS chair to promote close cooperation among major economies.” date2025-11-04