Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Joint press release on the successful accession of the Republic of Korea to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement

3 May 2024   JOINT PRESS RELEASE ON THE SUCCESSFUL ACCESSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA TO THE DIGITAL ECONOMY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT     1.        Chile, New Zealand and Singapore, the founders of the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) are delighted to welcome the Republic of Korea (ROK) as DEPA’s first new member.   Finalisation of the ROK’s Accession Process   2.        The ROK’s successful accession is an important milestone. It follows the announcement of the substantial conclusion of discussions on the ROK’s accession in June 2023 and the subsequent completion of the legal procedures in line with the DEPA accession process.   3.        The DEPA commits Parties to ambitious disciplines on digital trade to advance the growth of the digital economy. It also provides a platform for collaboration on projects of mutual interest. The accession of the ROK is testament to the Agreement’s open and inclusive nature. Expansion of the DEPA will add to the heft of the Agreement and provide greater opportunities for collaboration amongst Parties.   Comments from DEPA Parties   4.          Chile´s Undersecretary for International Economic Relations, Ms. Claudia Sanhueza said, “Chile welcomes today's announcement of the entry into force of the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) by the ROK. This is an important milestone for this agreement, as it is the first DEPA member to join through an accession process. We look forward to working with the ROK to enhance the potential of DEPA and to collaborate on projects of mutual interest in emerging areas that could impact digital trade".   5.          New Zealand Minister for Trade Mr. Todd McClay said, “New Zealand welcomes the ROK’s formal accession to the DEPA. The ROK has impressive experience in the digital economy and its accession demonstrates the DEPA’s value as a pathfinder agreement for economies with high ambition for digital trade. New Zealand looks forward to working more closely with the ROK on these issues.”   6.        Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu said, “Singapore warmly welcomes the ROK as the fourth Party to the DEPA. This is a key milestone for the DEPA. Through the DEPA, I look forward to deepening Singapore’s collaborations on the digital economy with the ROK. As Chair of the ROK’s Accession Working Group (AWG), Singapore would like to express our appreciation to the ROK for the close cooperation with DEPA Parties throughout its accession process. I hope we can build on this momentum to ensure that DEPA remains an open and inclusive Agreement to all economies that are able to meet its high standards.”   7.          The ROK’s Trade Minister Inkyo-Cheong said, “The ROK will make efforts for the expansion of DEPA while acting as a bridge between founding and new members as the first non-founding member country.” Trade Minister Cheong also added, “The ROK will lay the foundation for cooperation on the digital economy between members to ensure DEPA will serve as a platform to enhance economic partnership.”   Background   8.          Chile, New Zealand and Singapore signed the DEPA in June 2020. The ROK formally applied to join the DEPA in September 2021. The AWG to oversee its accession process was formed in October 2021, with Singapore as Chair.   Jointly issued by the Undersecretariat of International Ec date2024-05-03

Trade Minister discusses investment collaboration with global companies on margins of OECD MCM 2024

Minister for Trade Inkyo Cheong met with representatives of global companies on May 2 on the sidelines of attending the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) 2024 in Paris to discuss cooperation in areas like investment, future mobility, and aviation. He also met with Korean firms operating in the French market to discuss measures for promoting exports in conjunction with the Paris 2024 Olympics.   With a Dutch green bio company, Trade Minister Cheong discussed the company’s decision to establish a manufacturing plant in Korea and expressed his hopes for the investment to serve as an important milestone in Korea’s green bio industrial growth, viewing that local job creation and exports will substantially contribute to the Korean economy.   In Paris, the trade chief also met with a number of companies like NXP, Renault, Airbus, OPmobility, Thales, and Soitec to review investment progress and discuss measures for further cooperation. To NXP and Renault management, he asked, respectively, the prospects of an automobile semiconductor R&D center and electric vehicle (EV) production plant for investment collaboration in advanced industries.   Trade Minister Cheong also held a meeting with Korean businesses operating in Paris to discuss marketing strategies and export assistance to push in conjunction with the Paris 2024 Olympics. He then visited Fnac Darty, the largest French retailer of home appliances, and inspected the Korean home appliance companies’ local market presence in France. date2024-05-03

Government and refineries to join hands for stabilizing domestic oil prices

Amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Dukgeun Ahn convened a meeting on May 3 with representatives of refineries, thrift gas station operators, and the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) to discuss measures for stabilizing domestic oil prices.   Minister Ahn remarked that despite the April tailwind of reduced prices and increased exports, the general public is still experiencing financial difficulties. Refinery industry representatives shared the view that public livelihood is in difficulty and agreed to raise the petroleum product supply prices by a minimum, while minimizing price hikes. Thrift gas stations agreed to join in on efforts to lower the sale price of petroleum products to help mitigate the public’s financial burdens.   With aim to crack down on market actors attempting to make illicit gains by taking advantage of high oil prices, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) jointly launched the “Pan-Ministerial Petroleum Market Inspection Group” in October 2023 with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), National Tax Service (NTS) and other organizations.   The thrift gas stations run by KNOC currently sell oil priced at an average of KRW 40 per liter lower compared to other gas stations nationwide. An additional 40 gas stations are to be further designated as thrift gas stations around the capital area and major cities. date2024-05-03

Trade Minister attends OECD MCM 2024 to discuss sustainable growth

Minister for Trade Inkyo Cheong is attending the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting 2024 from May 2–3 at the OECD headquarters in Paris as the Co-Chief Delegate of the Korean delegation, jointly led by the Economy and Finance 1st Vice Minister.   The ministerial meetings are to be held over a two-day period in the attendance of representatives from 38 member countries and international organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the theme of “Co-creating the Flow of Change: Leading Global Discussion with Objective and Reliable Approach towards Sustainable Growth.”   Trade Minister Cheong will be participating in “Session 2: Promoting Free and Fair Trade and Investment for Accelerating Sound Economic Growth - A Rules-based, Free and Fair International Economic Order,” articulating the Korean government’s major policies and measures for international joint efforts with regard to enhancing inclusiveness and sustainability of free trade and establishing bilateral and multilateral norms and standards for protecting the free trade system amid the rapidly changing trade environment.   In “Session 5: Credible Pathways Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Under the Interlinked Global Crises” to be held on Day 2, he plans to introduce the Carbon Free Energy (CFE) Initiative and other measures proposed by the Korean government for overcoming crises, promoting inclusiveness for stakeholders, and cooperating with the OECD in view of climate change, shrinking biodiversity, and environmental pollution.   On the sidelines of the Council Meeting and sessions, the trade chief will attend the WTO trade ministers’ meeting to highlight the importance of the WTO reform, while also holding bilateral talks with counterparts of other countries. date2024-05-03

Korea to expand application of self-reporting and grading of buildings' energy efficiency

Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Dukgeun Ahn attended the “Green Building Conference for Climate Crisis Response” on May 2 at the Seoul City Hall to give a congratulatory message and co-signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of buildings with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Park Sang-woo, and Co-Chairperson of the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Kim Sang-hyup.   This February, MOTIE started enforcing the energy intensity target management system on buildings to manage their energy use, which sets an energy use target per unit area for medium- and large-sized, non-residential buildings with a total area of 5,000 square meters or larger, and applies a five-tiered target efficiency achievement grading method (A–E).   Based on the above system, Seoul City announced its “Climate Building Project” for reducing GHG emissions. According to the project, Seoul City will disclose the energy use target grades of the approximately 500 buildings it owns (May 2), which will then be extended to the 1,800 public buildings and self-governing districts’ buildings.   The MOU signing ceremony was followed by a conference on existing buildings’ green transition, where experts of related academic fields and research institutes gathered to announce carbon neutrality achievement strategies for buildings.   In his congratulatory message, Minister Dukgeun noted that Korea’s total energy use declined by 3.2 percent in 2023, but that of commercial and public buildings rather increased, stating that MOTIE intends to expand the application of the energy use self-reporting and grading system with aim to enhance energy efficiency of buildings, beginning with public institutions. He added that stronger support will go towards assisting R&D projects for energy efficiency improvement and small business owners’ energy saving equipment and electrical power fees, while tightening inspections on stores leaving doors open during air-conditioning. date2024-05-02

Anchor project for carbon neutrality forecast to annually reduce 70,000 tCO2eq of GHG

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on April 30 that three more companies have been added to the list of SMEs and middle-market firms leading in the area of carbon neutrality, raising their total number to 12. These 12 companies are forecast to reduce an estimated annual 70,000 tCO2eq of greenhouse gases (GHGs) through a KRW 67.8 billion investment in new facility and equipment.   For firms in carbon-intensive industries making leading efforts to reduce GHG emissions, the Korean government is providing support in terms of state funding up to 40 percent (maximum of 3 billion won over two years) of the expenses needed to make improvements in processes, equipment replacement, and facility expansion.   On April 30, MOTIE held a performance exchange meeting at AJU Steel’s Gimcheon Plant, a firm that is currently replacing its equipment with low emissions systems and equipment, along with the 12 companies selected for anchor projects in plant establishment support for carbon neutrality. Prior to the exchange meeting, attendees were able to experience firsthand the application technologies for carbon neutrality AJU Steel is introducing to its production site, such as automation systems for process optimization and convergence systems for plating and coating.   At the meeting, five firms that completed establishing their respective low-carbon systems shared emissions reduction outcomes and business knowhow to other firms. These twelve companies’ outcomes will be updated via reports and videos through the Korea National Cleaner Production Center (KNCPC) YouTube channel and website (www.kncpc.or.kr). Moreover, the World Climate Industry EXPO slated for September this year in Busan will also promote the content to other companies, experts, and general public. date2024-05-02

Korea's exports climb 13.8% in April

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on May 1 that Korea’s April exports advanced 13.8 percent year-on-year to USD 56.3 billion, rising for the seventh consecutive month. Imports rose 5.4 percent to $54.7 billion and the trade balance stood at a surplus of $1.5 billion.   The daily average export value, accounting for the number of working days, increased 11.3 percent to $2.5 billion, maintaining double-digit growth for the third consecutive month and building up a strong upward momentum.   The month of April saw the highest number of items gain in exports for this year as 13 out of 15 major items achieved growth.   IT items, namely semiconductors, displays, computers, and wireless communication devices, enjoyed an across-the-board expansion for two months straight. Their aggregate export value grew by an unprecedented 46.6 percent, advancing for the sixth consecutive month. Semiconductor exports reached a second highest monthly value of $9.96 billion (up 56.1 percent) for April, sustaining growth for the sixth consecutive month. Displays logged a record-breaking $1.4 billion (up 16.3 percent) for the year and increased for the ninth consecutive month. Computers (up 76.2 percent) and wireless communication devices (up 11.4 percent) made their steepest climb for the year as well, each gaining for the fourth and second consecutive month, respectively.   Automobile exports broke their previous all-time highs set in November 2023 by recording $6.8 billion (up 10.3 percent). General machinery exports snapped their one-month losing streak and grew 1.5 percent to $4.7 billion, a record high for April. Ship exports increased 5.6 percent and grew for the ninth consecutive month. Bio health exports (up 21.3 percent) posted their first double-digit growth for this year and carried on the expansion for the sixth consecutive month. Petroleum products (up 19.0 percent) rose for the second consecutive month, while textiles (up 1.7 percent), home appliances (up 9.4 percent), automotive parts (up 2.9 percent), and petrochemicals (up 12.3 percent) snapped their two-month losing streak.   By region, exports to seven out of nine major destinations increased in April. To the U.S., a record high of $11.4 billion (up 24.3 percent) broke the previous record set in December 2023, carrying the upward momentum for the ninth consecutive month.   Exports to China (up 9.9 percent) reached $10.5 billion and grew for the second consecutive month.   Exports to Latin America (up 38.2 percent) grew at a sharpest pace out of all nine major destinations, increasing for the fourth consecutive month.   Exports to ASEAN (up 10.5 percent) and Japan (up 18.4 percent) broke their one-month downward streak, while those to India (up 18.0 percent) and the Middle East (up 1.0 percent) switched to an expansion after two months of decline.   Imports increased for the first time in 14 months since February 2023. The import value of energy rose 14.6 percent to $12.5 billion on increased demand for crude oil (up 17.8 percent) and gas (up 21.9 percent). The energy import volume also rose on the backs of heightened refinery utilization and increased gas demand for power generation and industrial application. Meanwhile, non-energy imports showed an uptick of 2.9 percent to $42.2 billion.   With the trade balance for April achieving a surplus for the 11th consecutive month, the accumulated surplus through January–April this year amounted to $10.6 billion, surpassing last year’s annual trade deficit of $10.3 billion and recording an all-time high in five years.   MOTIE's April monthly trade figures are based on Korea Customs Service (KCS) data for April 1–30, which are subject to change prior to data finalization in February 2025. date2024-05-02

Korea's Defense Exports Task Force launched into high gear

Trade, Industry and Energy Vice Minister Kang Kyungsung led the Defense Exports Task Force in his meeting with Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il on April 30 at the company’s Daejeon plant and discussed recent exports outcomes.   Launched as a follow-up measure to the Defense Industry Ecosystem Competitiveness Strategy announced on April 17, the Defense Exports Task Force is composed of representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), Korea Defense Industry Trade Support Center (KODITS), K-SURE, and Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT).   Hanwha Aerospace representatives shared their status quo on arms exports, including the executive contract with the Polish Armaments Agency on supplying an additional fleet of Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems (MRLS) amounting to USD 1.6 billion, and requested policy funding for export contract implementation, designation of advanced aircraft engine materials and parts as national high-tech strategic technology, and government assistance on R&D of arms systems for export.   Vice Minister Kang explained that as announced in April, MOTIE plans to strengthen support through the Defense Industry Ecosystem Competitiveness Strategy by securing advanced critical technologies in arms materials, parts, and equipment (KRW 400 billion investment in 2024), expanding the scope of trade insurance and policy funding (10 trillion won), and establishing a tailored defense exports strategy (June 2024). date2024-04-30