Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

MOTIR Minister Meets Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister to Discuss Industrial and Trade Cooperation

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources met with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Lotte Hotel Seoul to discuss key issues in bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister Bozumbayev was accompanied by four senior officials, including Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, and Olzhas Saparbekov, Vice Minister of Industry and Construction. Minister Kim and Deputy Prime Minister Bozumbayev recognized the close and mutually beneficial relationship that has developed between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992. They agreed on the need to further strengthen cooperation in various fields, including manufacturing, plant construction, and critical mineral supply chains, amid the rapidly changing global trade environment. At the meeting, Minister Kim proposed expanding collaboration in manufacturing and raised business concerns regarding the lack of logistics infrastructure for Kia’s new operations in Kazakhstan and the circulation of counterfeit Korean home appliances. He requested the Kazakh government’s attention and support to resolve these issues promptly. On plant sector cooperation, Minister Kim called for greater participation by Korean companies in new projects and support for ongoing construction projects. Regarding critical mineral supply chains, he suggested enhancing cooperation through the establishment of the Rare Metals Technology Cooperation Center, which will be supported by MOTIR’s official development assistance (ODA) program starting in 2026. On Kazakhstan’s Alatau City development project, Minister Kim emphasized that Korea possesses advanced technologies and extensive experience in areas such as eco-friendly development, artificial intelligence, and future mobility, and expressed hope to continue close cooperation in these fields. date2025-10-16

FDI Arrivals to Korea Edge Down 2% through Q3 2025

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced today that foreign direct investment (FDI) pledges to Korea in the first three quarters of 2025 (cumulative, Jan–Sep) decreased 18.0 percent year-on-year to USD 20.7 billion, while FDI arrivals over the same period fell 2.0 percent to $11.3 billion. By type, greenfield investment pledges dropped 6.1 percent to $17.8 billion, while M&A pledges plunged 54.0 percent to $2.9 billion amid a global slowdown in large-scale acquisitions. In contrast, greenfield arrivals rose 23.0 percent to $8.2 billion. By region, FDI pledges from the United States surged 58.9 percent to $5.0 billion, driven by investments in chemicals, distribution, and ICT, while pledges from the EU, Japan, and China fell 36.6 percent, 22.8 percent, and 36.9 percent, respectively. By industry, manufacturing-sector pledges decreased 29.1 percent to $8.7 billion, with gains in transport machinery offset by declines in electrical and electronic components. Service-sector pledges dropped 6.9 percent to $11.1 billion, but investment in distribution and information and communications increased, supported by sustained interest in AI-related fields such as data centers, autonomous driving software, and robotics.   date2025-10-15

Korea’s ICT Exports Hit Record High in September

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and the Ministry of Science and ICT announced on October 15 that Korea’s exports of ICT goods in September 2025 reached an all-time high of USD 25.4 billion (up 14.0 percent year-on-year), while imports rose 10.4 percent to $13.8 billion. The trade balance recorded a surplus of $11.7 billion, the second-largest on record. Despite ongoing global trade uncertainties, ICT exports reached their highest level ever, led by record-breaking semiconductor shipments for the second consecutive month, along with stronger exports of displays and communication equipment. Semiconductor exports hit a new record as memory prices continued to rise and demand for high-value products such as DDR5 and HBM remained strong. Display exports rebounded as OLED panel applications expanded in IT devices and demand recovered for mobile phones and laptops. Communication equipment exports grew on robust demand for automotive and 5G base station components in the United States and India. Meanwhile, mobile phone exports declined due to weaker component shipments, though strong finished product exports helped offset the drop. Exports of computers and peripherals also fell, affected by last year’s surge in SSD exports. By destination, exports increased to Taiwan (up 53.5 percent), Vietnam (up 20.8 percent), the EU (up 22.8 percent), Japan (up 13.0 percent), and China including Hong Kong (up 1.1 percent), driven largely by strong semiconductor shipments. Exports to the United States, however, fell 4.0 percent for the second consecutive month. ICT imports rose 10.4 percent year-on-year to $13.8 billion, with increases in displays, mobile phones, and computers/peripherals.    date2025-10-14

Korea Reappointed to ISO Technical Management Board

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources announced that Korea has been reappointed to the Technical Management Board (TMB) of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) at the 47th ISO General Assembly, held in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 6 to 10, 2025. As a result, Korea will continue serving as a TMB member through 2028, with Professor Moon Young-Jun of KAIST representing the country in shaping ISO’s technical policy decisions. The TMB is ISO’s key decision-making body that oversees the organization’s standardization activities, including the establishment and dissolution of technical committees, coordination among committees, and appointment of committee chairs. Korea’s reappointment reflects continued international recognition of its standardization capabilities. At the General Assembly, Korea also proposed establishing a new ISO technical committee on GPS-based personal location service technologies and hosted a workshop to build support among ISO member countries. Additionally, Korea signed MOUs with standardization organizations in countries such as Canada and Italy, and invited key stakeholders to attend the upcoming International AI Standards Summit scheduled for December 2025. KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “With this reappointment to the ISO Technical Management Board, Korea has further solidified its influence in the field of international standardization. We will continue to demonstrate leadership within ISO and strengthen our position as a trusted leader in global standardization.” date2025-10-13

Korea Ramps Up AI Factories to Lead Global Manufacturing by 2030

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the AI Factory M.AX Alliance Strategy Meeting on October 1, 2025, bringing together leading manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to position Korea as a global leader in manufacturing AI by 2030. The number of pilot projects under the AI Factory initiative has surpassed 100, with a target of 500 by 2030. These projects integrate AI into manufacturing processes to boost productivity, reduce costs, and cut carbon emissions. Examples include Samsung Electronics using AI for semiconductor inspections, Hyundai Motor deploying AI-powered robotic arms for flexible production, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries developing AI robots for ship maintenance. Humanoid robots will also begin field trials this year at six sites across the display, shipbuilding, and logistics sectors. Companies including Samsung Display, CJ Logistics, LG Electronics, and SK Energy will test robots for various tasks, with more than 100 projects planned by 2027 to collect field data and advance AI development. MOTIR will further expand the initiative to cover the entire production cycle, from factory design to supply chains and logistics. By integrating robotics, digital twins, and advanced infrastructure, Korea aims to establish fully autonomous “dark factories” and become the world’s leading exporter of AI factories by 2030. Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim emphasized, “The AI era is a race against time. By leveraging Korea’s manufacturing strengths and data, we can lead the world in AI factories. Through the M.AX Alliance, we will break down regulatory barriers, focus resources, and secure Korea’s global leadership in manufacturing AI.” date2025-10-02

Korea and UK Discuss Trade Cooperation Amid Global Trade Shifts

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo held a video conference on October 1, 2025, with Chris Bryant, the UK Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, following Minister Bryant’s request for an introductory meeting. The two sides exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation and addressing major trade issues under the current uncertain global trade landscape. The UK is Korea’s sixth-largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching USD 11.21 billion in 2024 under the Korea–UK FTA signed after Brexit. The UK also ranks as Korea’s third-largest European investor (cumulative as of 2024), with active mutual investment serving as a key driver of economic growth in both countries. Trade Minister Yeo congratulated Minister Bryant on his appointment and expressed hope for close communication amid the uncertain global trade environment. He also discussed ways to balance both sides’ core interests to expedite the conclusion of the Korea–UK FTA upgrade negotiations, and exchanged views on the UK’s trade issues, including recent trade and large-scale investment agreements with the US. Trade Minister Yeo further emphasized the need for measures to ease corporate burdens, such as adjusting reporting cycles, in relation to the UK’s introduction of a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). He conveyed the Korean industry’s concerns and requests regarding the UK’s strengthened steel safeguard measures and electric vehicle subsidy program, and called for cooperation and support from the UK government, along with continued bilateral consultations. date2025-10-02

Korea to Strengthen R&D Support System for Global Foreign-Invested Enterprises

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that it held the second Korea–Global Innovation Investment Alliance on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Toray Advanced Materials Korea Magok R&D Center. The meeting brought together foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) newly joining the 2025 R&D program, along with Korean public research institutes and investment associations, to strengthen the R&D support system for FIEs. To promote R&D by FIEs in Korea, MOTIR launched the Global Industry–Technology Cooperation R&D Program in 2024 and has steadily expanded its budget (KRW 1.5 billion in 2024 → KRW 4.5 billion in 2025 → KRW 6 billion proposed for 2026). The ministry also plans to diversify the scale and types of support to improve the quality of R&D outcomes. In addition to FIEs and public institutions, the meeting included public research institutes and investment-related associations. Through additional R&D investment by FIEs (KRW 25 billion), technology development support, and investor relations (IR) activities, the Alliance will actively support SMEs participating in these projects to enter global supply chains. At the meeting, an MOU was also signed among participating FIEs, research institutes, universities, and industry partners to strengthen cooperation. Key areas include policy measures to expand investment by selected FIEs, stronger R&D collaboration with Korean research institutes, and support for IR activities by Korean SMEs. The initiative aims to encourage the inflow of leading global technologies into Korea and broaden participation in the innovation ecosystem. Yoo Beop-min, Director-General for Investment Policy at MOTIR, stated, “The government will continue to expand R&D support for foreign-invested enterprises to help Korea become a global R&D hub and to revitalize regional economies, boost domestic employment, and foster shared growth between global and Korean companies amid global supply chain restructuring.” date2025-10-02

Korea’s Exports Hit Record High in September

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced on October 1 that Korea’s exports in September 2025 rose 12.7 percent year-on-year to USD 66.0 billion, while imports increased 8.2 percent to $56.4 billion. The trade balance posted a surplus of $9.6 billion, the largest in seven years since September 2018. Exports reached an all-time monthly high for the first time in three and a half years, continuing growth for the fourth consecutive month. Third-quarter exports also set a record at $185.0 billion, averaging over $60.0 billion per month. On a daily average basis, exports came to $2.8 billion, the second-highest September figure on record, reflecting the impact of more working days. By item, 10 of Korea’s 15 major export categories posted growth. Semiconductor exports jumped 22.0 percent to $16.6 billion, hitting a new record for the second straight month on strong demand for high-value memory such as HBM and DDR5. Automobile exports rose 16.8 percent to $6.4 billion, the highest ever for September, supported by robust sales of electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles, as well as a sharp increase in used car exports. Ship exports grew 21.9 percent to $2.9 billion, marking seven straight months of growth. Biohealth exports also reached a record high of $1.7 billion (up 35.8 percent). By region, exports increased in eight of Korea’s nine major markets. Exports to China rose 0.5 percent to $11.7 billion, ending a four-month decline. Exports to ASEAN climbed 17.8 percent to $11.1 billion, the highest ever for September, while exports to the EU surged 19.3 percent to $7.2 billion, also a record high. Exports to the Middle East, India, Latin America, Japan, and CIS countries all posted strong growth, while exports to the United States fell 1.4 percent to $10.3 billion due to slower shipments amid tariff-related conditions. MOTIR Minister Kim Jung-kwan stated, “Korea’s exports set a new all-time record in September, a valuable achievement despite difficult conditions such as slower shipments to the U.S. amid tariff-related challenges. This demonstrates the ability of Korean companies to quickly diversify their export markets.” He added, “Facing persistent uncertainties, including ongoing tariff negotiations, the government will continue to strengthen policy support to ensure our companies sustain their export competitiveness.”   date2025-10-01