Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Ministry Steps Up Preparations for the Korea–U.S. FTA Joint Committee, Reviews Plans to Advance Korea–UK FTA Upgrade Negotiations

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) convened the 52nd Trade Promotion Committee on Wednesday, December 10, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul. Chaired by Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, the meeting brought together relevant ministries to share plans for upcoming Korea–U.S. FTA Joint Committee, assess progress on the Korea–UK FTA upgrade negotiations, and examine key trade issues involving the EU, Mexico, and Canada, as well as recent developments related to the U.S. IEEPA lawsuit. The government aims to convene the Korea–U.S. FTA Joint Committee within the year based on the Korea–U.S. Joint Fact Sheet (JFS), which includes its commitments on the automobiles, agriculture, and digital trade. MOTIR will work closely with relevant ministries to ensure thorough preparations and develop concrete implementation measures. Regarding the Korea–UK FTA upgrade negotiations, the government reaffirmed the commitment made at the G7 Summit in June to seek a conclusion within the year. Ministries will strengthen coordination to resolve remaining issues in the services, investment, and digital sectors. Participants also exchanged updates on major trade developments—including steel import restrictions by the EU and Canada, Mexico’s tariff announcements, and developments in the U.S. IEEPA lawsuit—and reviewed Korea’s response strategies. Trade Minister Yeo emphasized that, “Although the Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations have been concluded, stable management of non-tariff issues remains critically important,” and called for “active inter-ministerial cooperation as the government prepares for the Joint Committee.” He also underscored the government’s commitment to “remain vigilant and pursue proactive response measures as major economies beyond the U.S. expand protectionist measures and global trade conditions remain volatile. date2025-12-10

Korea to Promote Balanced Regional Growth Through FDI

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) convened the third Central–Local Government Policy Council on Foreign Direct Investment on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Chaired by Director-General for Trade and Investment Kang Gam-chan, the meeting brought together representatives from 13 metropolitan cities and provinces, along with five Free Economic Zone (FEZ) authorities, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (Invest KOREA), and the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation (KICOX), to discuss FDI attraction strategies to support Korea’s transition from a Seoul Capital Area-centered, single-core structure to a regionally led, multi-core structure built around the Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces. Approximately 75 percent of Korea’s FDI inflows from 1998 to 2024 were concentrated in the Seoul Capital Area, suggesting that regional imbalances persisted even after taking Korea’s capital-region-centered economic structure into account. Against this backdrop, the council discussed policy directions to use FDI to promote growth across Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces and to attract more foreign investment to regional areas, particularly in advanced technologies, critical supply chains, and other strategic industries. Participants also discussed measures to encourage investment and accelerate implementation, including strategic investor relations (IR) outreach, support for foreign investment zones, and efforts to address on-the-ground business difficulties.  At the meeting, Director-General Kang said, “MOTIR will expand incentives, including cash grants, to steer FDI toward key regional hubs.” Representatives of metropolitan cities and provinces also pledged to step up efforts to attract foreign investment by building on their regional strengths. MOTIR will incorporate industry feedback and expert input from the meeting into its 2026 FDI policy agenda. The ministry will also continue to strengthen central–local coordination by holding semiannual councils on FDI and trade. date2025-12-10

Korea and the EU to Establish “Next Generation Strategic Dialogue” Covering Economic Security and Supply Chains

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) visited Brussels, Belgium, from December 1 to December 3 and met with senior European Union officials, including Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and Borys Budka, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). Their discussions covered a wide range of key trade issues and future cooperation measures, including the establishment of a future-oriented Korea–EU cooperation framework, the EU’s planned steel tariff rate quota (TRQ) system, the EU Battery Regulation, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) investigation related to the Czech nuclear project, and the Korea–EU Digital Trade Agreement (DTA).  The visit took place to reinforce the mutually beneficial and strategic partnership between Korea and the EU amid rapid changes in the global trade landscape—including rising protectionism and supply chain restructuring—as well as to resolve trade barriers facing Korean companies entering the EU market. The two sides noted their long-standing partnership grounded in shared values of free trade and a market economy and agreed to maintain close communication to respond proactively to global overcapacity, the spread of protectionism, and the transition toward carbon neutrality. They also committed to deepening cooperation in supply chains, digital trade, and economic security. Key Outcomes and Discussions  Both sides agreed that the current Korea–EU FTA is insufficient for addressing emerging issues such as digital trade, supply chains, and economic security. Korea proposed upgrading cooperation by managing potential trade and investment risks for Korean firms in the EU and deepening high-level engagement on emerging trade issues. The two sides agreed to launch a Next Generation Strategic Dialogue on Trade, Supply Chains & Technology in the first half of next year. Korea requested favorable treatment under the EU’s planned steel import-control mechanism, including stable quota allocation or possible TRQ exemption. The EU responded that Korea is being considered among the First Group of negotiation partners and that it would explore measures to mitigate potential impacts on Korean companies. Korea also urged the EU to support battery-sector investors and reduce regulatory uncertainty by swiftly finalizing the implementing rules under the Battery Regulation, ensuring coherence with related EU policies, and recognizing batteries as part of the Energy Intensive Industry Sector. Chair Borys Budka emphasized that Korea and Europe have effectively become a community of shared destiny in the battery supply chain and proposed expanding practical cooperation, including potential joint-production models. Korea welcomed recent improvements in CBAM rules but urged the EU to finalize emissions-calculation methodologies and verifier standards to reduce uncertainty. Korea also cautioned that expanding CBAM coverage to downstream products could burden SMEs and stressed that any such expansion should follow sufficient impact assessments. Korea emphasized the need to avoid double regulation for countries with emissions-trading schemes such as K-ETS. Korea expressed serious concern over the FSR investigation related to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power’s bid for the Czech nuclear project, stating that the bid was selected through fair competition and involved no market-distorting subsidies. Korea requested a careful and impartial review. Both sides agreed to complete domestic procedures promptly so that the Korea–EU DTA can be signed at the next high-level meeting. date2025-12-05

Korea–U.S. to Strengthen Supply Chain Cooperation Through Standardization

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 5th Korea–U.S. Standards Forum on Thursday, December 4, at The Shilla Seoul. The event brought together more than 60 experts from the two countries’ public and private sectors, including the President of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), representatives from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Microsoft. At the forum, Korea and the U.S. presented recent standardization trends in advanced industries, including AI, future mobility, semiconductors, and quantum technology. Experts then gathered in subcommittee meetings to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and lead international standardization efforts. Prior to the forum, KATS and ANSI held their regular bilateral meeting on Wednesday, December 3, to share their five-year national standardization strategies and discuss practical cooperation measures—including enhanced collaboration within international bodies such as ISO and IEC. The forum provided an opportunity to discuss technology standards cooperation that supports the expansion of Korea–U.S. industrial collaboration, following the recent signing of the Strategic Trade and Investment Deal. Both sides affirmed that standards ensuring the interoperability and reliability of advanced technologies are essential to competitiveness and agreed to reinforce joint efforts in global standardization. President Kim Dae-ja of KATS stated, “Strengthening Korea–U.S. standards cooperation in AI, future mobility, and other advanced technologies will generate meaningful synergies in industrial and supply chain cooperation.” He added, “The government will continue expanding standards cooperation with major countries to bolster the global competitiveness of Korean industries.” date2025-12-04

MND, MSIT, MOTIR, and MSS Join Forces to Accelerate AI Transformation (AX) Across Defense and Industry

The Ministry of National Defense (MND, Minister Ahn Gyu-baek) held the inaugural 2025 Defense AI Ecosystem Development Forum at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on Wednesday, December 3. The event was designed to strengthen government-wide governance for cooperation on defense AI and to build momentum for major defense AI programs planned for 2026, bringing together senior government officials and about 500 representatives from AI-related private companies. The program featured sessions on Korea’s defense AX strategy, mid- to long-term plans for defense–ICT cooperation, MOTIR’s defense AX strategy and support initiatives, support programs for defense-innovation startups, and briefings on defense AI requirements for 2026. Participants discussed future directions and challenges for defense AI and developed a shared understanding of areas for practical cooperation. During the forum, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Minister Bae Kyung-hoon), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS, Minister Han Seong-sook) joined MND in announcing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate AI transformation (AX) across the defense and industrial sectors. Under the MOU, the ministries will leverage sovereign AI foundation models to cooperate on AX innovation; identify defense AI needs; provide testbed opportunities for real-world validation; support access to defense R&D infrastructure; develop core AI technologies and related infrastructure; expand cross-sector utilization in defense, industry, and the public sector; foster AI talent; broaden the application of defense and manufacturing AI technologies within national defense; and discover and scale startups and SMEs in the defense AX domain. As global security conditions evolve amid the rapid adoption of AI—including intelligent command-and-control, unmanned and autonomous systems, and automated defense operations—the agreement brings together the expertise of MSIT, MOTIR, and MSS to promote cohesive and interconnected AX policies across the defense and industrial sectors. The agreement establishes a full AX collaboration pipeline among government agencies, from securing core AX technologies and enabling real-world validation in the defense sector to supporting industrial deployment and adoption by startups and SMEs. These efforts are expected to accelerate AX across defense and industry, strengthen defense-industry competitiveness, and support the development of a more advanced and trusted defense force. Minister Kim Jung-kwan of MOTIR stated, “In an era where advanced technologies such as AI shape both security and economic competitiveness, expanding AX in the defense sector is no longer optional but essential. Building on the strong trilateral foundation of AI, manufacturing, and defense, MOTIR will identify demand for dual-use AI technologies through M.AX (Manufacturing AX) and provide targeted support. Beginning next year, we will advance the AX Sprint Program to help create an AX market in the defense industry, and we will work closely with the military to strengthen real-world validation for AI-embodied next-generation weapons. Through these efforts, MOTIR will actively support the establishment of a robust defense AI ecosystem.” date2025-12-03

Korea and France Discuss Trade Issues and Industrial Cooperation in Critical Minerals and EVs

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held the 20th Korea–France Industrial Cooperation Committee meeting on Wednesday, December 3, in Sejong, chaired by Park Jung-sung, Deputy Minister for Trade. Deputy Minister Park met with Thomas Courbe, Director General for Enterprises (DGE) at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, to discuss bilateral cooperation in industry and supply chains and to exchange views on key trade issues related to France and the EU. France is Korea’s third-largest trading partner within the EU, with bilateral trade reaching USD 13.7 billion in 2024. Both exports and imports have increased over the past five years, further deepening economic interdependence. Since the 1990s, the two countries have maintained longstanding government-level cooperation channels—such as the Industrial Cooperation Committee and the Korea–France Forum on Innovative Industries—while private-sector collaboration has also expanded in advanced industries, including automobiles and batteries. The two sides reviewed policies and recent developments related to bilateral cooperation, critical minerals, electric vehicles, and batteries, and discussed ways to deepen cooperation. They underscored the importance of close policy dialogue to strengthen competitiveness in advanced industries. The Korean side also conveyed concerns that the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), the EU’s proposed new steel import measures, and France’s electric vehicle subsidy scheme may act as trade barriers between Korea and the EU by protecting domestic industries. Korea highlighted the need to pursue Korea–EU negotiations on steel TRQs in a cooperative spirit and to establish a more reasonable methodology for calculating carbon-emission factors under France’s EV subsidy program. MOTIR stated that the meeting provided an opportunity to reinforce Korea–France cooperation and discuss key trade issues in depth. The Ministry added that it will continue engaging with France and the EU through high-level and working-level channels to follow up on the issues discussed. date2025-12-03

MOTIR Reveals Ceramic R&D Roadmap to Boost Competitiveness of Key Materials for Advanced Industries

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) held a meeting with ceramic companies on Wednesday, December 3, at the Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT) under the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). At the meeting, MOTIR revealed the “Ceramic R&D Roadmap,” which aims to enhance the high added value of Korea’s ceramic industry and stabilize its supply chain. The government plans to utilize the Roadmap to systematically support the strategic development of ceramic technologies and the advancement of the industry’s foundation. The Roadmap is structured around four strategic pillars and comprises 46 key tasks across 12 priority fields. These include meeting demand from next-generation leading industries (AI, semiconductors, and displays); enhancing the high durability of ceramics (semiconductors, next-generation telecommunications, defense and aviation, and hydrogen technologies); improving reliability for use in energy and eco-friendly sectors (secondary batteries, advanced biotechnology, and future mobility); and upgrading the base of the ceramic industry (refractories, cement, and glass). The Roadmap outlines measures to strengthen both advanced ceramics and traditional ceramic industries, with the goal of enhancing competitiveness in a balanced manner across the sector. To facilitate early market entry of newly developed technologies, the government will provide follow-up support, including the establishment of commercialization testbeds and assistance with intellectual property (IP) strategies for global market expansion. For systematic implementation, MOTIR will allocate approximately KRW 100 billion in funding through 2030 by leveraging the Materials, Parts, and Components Technology Development Project, new budget allocations, and contributions to the Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering & Technology. Experts from industry, academia, and research institutes emphasized that “securing core ceramic technologies is fundamental to strengthening industry competitiveness and stabilizing the national supply chain,” adding that “continuous management is required to ensure that the newly announced R&D Roadmap reflects global trends in a timely manner.” Na Sung-hwa, Director General for Industrial Supply Chain Policy at MOTIR, noted that “this R&D Roadmap marks an important start for elevating the competitiveness of the ceramic industry. As global uncertainties continue to rise, technological self-reliance and supply chain stabilization in the ceramic sector are not optional, but essential.” She stated, “MOTIR will continue to incorporate expert feedback and global technological developments into future updates of the R&D Roadmap to build a stable and robust ecosystem for the ceramic industry.” date2025-12-03

KATS to Host the International AI Standards Summit With ISO, IEC, and ITU

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Korea will host the 2025 International AI Standards Summit from December 2 to 3 at The Shilla Seoul. The event will be organized in partnership with the world’s three leading international standards bodies—the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). With the rapid progress of AI, issues surrounding human rights violations, AI safety and reliability, and fragmented global standards have emerged as major international challenges. In response, the United Nations established the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Body (AIAB) and tasked it with preparing recommendations for AI governance. In its final report published in September 2024, “Governing AI for Humanity,” AIAB outlined seven key recommendations, including a proposal to convene a global AI standards summit. Following this, ISO, IEC, and ITU agreed to jointly launch the International AI Standards Summit and designated Korea in October 2024 as the host of the inaugural event. The summit will bring together senior leadership from the three organizations—ISO President Cho Sung-hwan, IEC President Jo Cops, and ITU Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas—as well as high-ranking representatives from major international bodies. Participants include Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO); Andrew Staines, Assistant Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); and Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe. More than 300 C-suite executives from global companies, including Google, Microsoft, Huawei, and Alibaba, as well as Korean companies such as Samsung, LG, Naver, Kakao, and Hyundai Mobis, will also join discussions on the future of global AI standardization. Held under the theme “Standards Shaping the AI World,” the summit will highlight the central role of international standards in ensuring safe and responsible use of AI across industry, government, and society. Over the two-day program, participants will discuss strategic priorities for international AI standardization, global cooperation models, and approaches to responsible AI governance. At the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok will deliver welcoming remarks, after which ISO, IEC, and ITU will issue the Seoul Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI)—their first collective action to implement the UN’s recommendations. The Statement outlines the following four principal directions for global AI standardization, establishing shared norms for the safe and equitable use of AI. First, AI standards should address not only technical aspects but also the broader impacts of technology on people, society, and the environment. Second, safeguards to protect human rights—particularly against risks such as privacy violations and discrimination—must be strengthened within international AI standards. Third, AI standards must be fair and reliable global norms developed through the participation of governments, businesses, researchers, and civil society rather than being shaped by any single country or exclusive group of experts. Fourth, public-private partnerships should expand AI education and training to help narrow AI utilization gaps between countries and societies, allowing all to prepare effectively for the AI era. KATS President Kim Dae-ja noted, “AI standards are more than technical specifications. They are the basis of trust that enables people to use AI safely.” He added, “Building on this summit, the government will make every effort to position Korea as a global hub that leads AI standardization.” date2025-12-02