Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Korea Launches K-Quantum Industry Alliance to Accelerate Commercialization

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) held the launch event for the “K-Quantum Industry Alliance” on Wednesday, November 5, 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 a turning point for Korea’s quantum technology ecosystem, shifting 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 solve industrial challenges and 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. Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak stated, “The government will spare no effort to help Korean quantum component and material companies seize this golden window of opportunity and join the global value chain. We will further strengthen the public-private cooperation model so that Korean companies can swiftly apply quantum technologies in industrial settings to solve challenges and maximize efficiency.”   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, at the SETEC Convention Center. The event was co-hosted with the Overseas Certification Support Network and major global certification bodies. In recent developments, the European Union has established the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to promote global environmental protection, which includes the introduction of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) for textile products. The EU has also enacted the Cyber Resilience Act to strengthen the security of digital products and require 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 aimed to help Korean companies prepare in advance 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. 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 further enhance our 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 Kim Jung-kwan) announced that Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with Thomas Byrne, President of The Korea Society, in Seoul on Tuesday, November 4, 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 friendly cooperation between Korea and the United States through a wide range of policy forums, seminars, and educational programs across politics, economics, culture, and education. Minister Yeo highlighted that Korea has been actively contributing to the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing and job creation through large-scale greenfield investments, while also becoming one of the key importers of U.S. energy and agricultural products such as LNG and crude oil. He underscored the close trade and investment ties between the two countries and noted that if the USD 150 billion in direct investment plans announced by Korean companies in August and the USD 350 billion strategic investment MoU agreed through the Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations on October 29 are implemented as planned, bilateral industrial supply chains will be further strengthened. Minister Yeo also conveyed Korean companies’ concerns regarding 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 attention and support for fundamental solutions, emphasizing the need to improve visa systems—by ensuring smooth entry and stable investment conditions for Korean business personnel in the short term, and by considering the establishment of a new visa category for Korean professionals over the longer term.   date2025-11-04

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

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister Kim Jung-kwan) announced that the 26th Government/Authorities Meeting on Semiconductors (GAMS) will be held in Busan from Tuesday, November 4 to Thursday, November 6, 2025. As this year’s chair country, Korea will preside over the meeting, with Choi Woo-hyuk, Director General for Advanced Industry Policy at MOTIR, serving as chair. 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, while discussing relevant government policy responses. GAMS sessions begin with reports from the WSC on its activities and policy proposals, followed by intergovernmental consultations that lead to 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 a series of bilateral meetings to exchange views on key semiconductor issues and conduct in-depth discussions on other bilateral matters. In his keynote remarks, 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

Korea to Lead Development of International Standards for Core Equipment of Eco-Friendly Fuel Ships

Korea will take the lead in developing international standards to ensure the safety and efficiency of equipment used in eco-friendly fuel ships powered by ammonia and hydrogen. The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced that it will propose two new international standards at the ISO/TC 8/SC 3 Piping and Machinery Subcommittee Meeting being held in Busan from November 3 to 6. Global shipbuilders are developing vessels powered by eco-friendly fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen in response to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. Building on Korea’s strengths in the shipbuilding sector, the country is leading efforts to standardize core equipment for eco-friendly fuel ships. At this meeting, KATS plans to propose international standards for “Test Procedures for Valves and Heat Exchangers for Ammonia-Fueled Ships.” Once adopted, the proposed international standards for core equipment are expected to significantly strengthen Korea’s global competitiveness in the ammonia-fueled ship sector, which remains in the early stage of commercialization. Korean marine equipment manufacturers will continue to focus on developing international standards for key components of eco-friendly fuel ships, including piping systems and storage tanks. KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “It is highly meaningful for Korea to lead the development of core technology standards for future vessels in line with the global push for carbon neutrality. We will continue to enhance Korea’s standardization capabilities for eco-friendly alternative fuel ship technology to help the nation’s shipbuilding and marine equipment industries strengthen their competitiveness in the global market.”   date2025-11-04

MOTIR Minister Highlights Urgency of AI Transformation to Strengthen Competitiveness of Mid-Sized Enterprises

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced that Minister Kim Jung-kwan delivered a keynote speech at the “CEO Forum for Mid-Sized Enterprises” hosted by the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea (FOMEK, Chairman Choi Jin-shik) on Monday, November 3, at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. The event was attended by around 100 CEOs from Korea’s mid-sized enterprises. In his speech, titled “The New Age of Exploration,” Minister Kim stated, “Just as the invention of the compass in the 15th century ushered in the Age of Exploration that reshaped global wealth and power, it is now time for Korean companies to seize the new compass of artificial intelligence (AI) and chart new routes in the global market.” He emphasized that mid-sized enterprises—the backbone of the Korean economy and industry—must take an active role in the shift toward industrial AI transformation. In response, the mid-sized enterprise community agreed that accelerating industrial AI adoption is essential for business survival and growth. Representatives from mid-sized enterprises also highlighted challenges in responding to rapid changes such as AI transformation, the green transition, and supply chain realignments driven by recent tariff measures. They requested stronger policy support across global expansion, technology development, finance, taxation, human resources, and regulatory reform. In response, Minister Kim affirmed that the government will work closely with relevant ministries to provide maximum support so that mid-sized enterprises can grow into larger, globally competitive companies.   date2025-11-04

Korea’s Exports Hit New Peak for October

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced on November 1 that Korea’s exports in October 2025 rose 3.6 percent year-on-year to USD 59.6 billion, the highest on record for October, while imports fell 1.5 percent to $53.5 billion. The trade surplus stood at $6.1 billion, bringing the cumulative surplus for January–October to $56.4 billion and surpassing the total for 2024. Despite fewer working days during the Chuseok holiday, exports grew for the fifth consecutive month, and average daily exports climbed 14 percent to $3.0 billion, reaching an all-time high. Semiconductor exports increased 25.4 percent to $15.7 billion, driven by strong demand for high-value memory such as HBM and DDR5. Ship exports, including offshore plants, soared 131.2 percent to $4.7 billion, while petroleum product exports rose 12.7 percent to $3.8 billion. By region, exports to Latin America nearly doubled (up 99 percent) to $4.7 billion—a record level led by large offshore plant deliveries—and exports to the CIS climbed 34.4 percent to $1.3 billion, marking eight straight months of growth. Exports to the United States declined 16.2 percent to $8.7 billion due to tariff-related challenges, while exports to China and ASEAN also fell slightly. Exports to Taiwan jumped 46 percent to a record $5.2 billion on strong semiconductor demand. MOTIR Minister Kim Jung-kwan stated, “Semiconductors and ships drove export growth for the fifth consecutive month. With the recent Korea-U.S. agreement on detailed tariff negotiations, Korea’s key export items—including automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals—will no longer face disadvantages in the U.S. market. The government will ensure that this agreement and related financial measures create new growth opportunities for Korean industries.”   date2025-11-03

Korea Honors Contributors and Organizations on the 55th National Metrology Day

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) held a ceremony on Friday, October 31, to mark the 55th National Metrology Day and presented 35 awards to individuals and organizations that have contributed to strengthening Korea’s national competitiveness in metrology. At the ceremony, Nam Gi-dong, CEO of DYC&T, received the Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit in recognition of his contribution to industrial advancement through the development of Korea’s first 30 MN-class high-capacity force measuring instrument. Dr. Kwon Jae-Yong of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) received a Presidential Commendation for his achievement in developing a world-class primary standard for electromagnetic power. In addition, the first Legal Metrology Idea Contest was held this year, with six outstanding entries selected from 92 submissions, helping to raise public interest and participation in the metrology sector. A pre-event seminar themed “AI and the Future of Industrial Metrology” featured the Vice Chair of China’s Digital Metrology Technology Committee as a guest speaker, who shared policy trends in AI and industrial metrology. Korean experts from industry, academia, and research institutions also gathered to discuss the importance of metrology in the AI era and strategies for its future development. In his congratulatory remarks, KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “In advanced industries, ensuring accuracy through metrology is directly linked to national industrial competitiveness. KATS will continue to strengthen the foundation of advanced industries such as AI and semiconductors by improving metrology infrastructure and systems, while identifying and supporting contributors and organizations that advance measurement technology in the industrial field.”   date2025-10-31