Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Korea's ICT exports hit all-time highs in 2022

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on January 12 that shipments of Korea’s information and communications technology (ICT) products in 2022 reached an all-time high of USD 233.3 billion, up 2.5 percent from 2021. Despite the protracted Russia-Ukraine war and global economic slowdown, ICT exports achieved a trade surplus of $80.9 billion and took up 34.1 percent of Korea’s total annual exports. Imports went up 12.9 percent to $152.5 billion. SMEs and middle date2023-01-13

Trade Minister attends 16th Trade Advisory Committee Meeting

Minister for Trade Dukgeun Ahn attended the 16th Trade Advisory Committee meeting on January 11 in Seoul and held public-private joint discussions on the future global trade landscape, forecasts and Korea’s response measures.   The meeting was attended by approximately 20 committee members consisting of industry and academia trade experts, including Trade Advisory Committee Chairman Jeong In-kyo, Korea Productivity Center Chairman Ahn Wan-gi and the Federation of Middle Market Enter date2023-01-13

Trade Minister attends 16th Trade Advisory Committee Meeting

Minister for Trade Dukgeun Ahn attended the 16th Trade Advisory Committee meeting on January 11 in Seoul and held public-private joint discussions on the future global trade landscape and Korea’s response measures. Trade Minister Ahn remarked that Korea, an exports-based open economy, will continue to face challenges amid the worldwide rise in protectionism. He emphasized the need for a trade policy that centers on pioneering new markets and preemptively nurtures advantageous trade enviro date2023-01-13

Korea and U.S. discuss critical minerals and energy cooperation

Trade, Industry and Energy 2nd Vice Minister Park Il-jun met with Jose W. Fernandez, U.S. Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, on January 10 at the Government Complex Seoul to discuss cooperation in critical minerals, energy resources, and support for Korean companies’ exports and investment. Vice Minister Park emphasized that this is an important time for the two countries’ close cooperation in stabilizing the critical minerals supply chain, which is es date2023-01-11

Korea and U.S. discuss critical minerals and energy cooperation

Trade, Industry and Energy 2nd Vice Minister Park Il-jun met with U.S. Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez on January 10 at the Government Complex Seoul to discuss cooperation in critical minerals, energy resources, exports and investment.   date2023-01-10

1st Vice Minister holds conference on shipyards' manpower issues

Trade, Industry and Energy 1st Vice Minister Jang Young-jin held a conference on January 9 at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) in South Gyeongsang Province to discuss manpower issues with shipbuilding industry representatives.   The Minister led discussions and gathered opinions on public-private joint solutions on the current manpower shortage across shipyards.   The conference was attended by Korea’s shipbuilding industry representatives, including K date2023-01-10

Minister makes first exporting company site visit for 2023

Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Lee Chang-yang visited the world-leading end mill manufacturer YG-1 plant in Incheon on January 5 for his first trip to an export business site in the new year with aim to encourage workers and promote exports growth.   The Minister received a briefing from YG-1 President Song Ho-geun and Vice President Song Ji-han and toured the production facilities and smart factory specially designed for manufacturing YG-1’s endmill cutters.   date2023-01-05

Korean shipbuilders lead high value-added, eco-friendly market in 2022

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on January 5 that South Korea’s shipbuilding industry won home 37 percent (15.6 million compensated gross tonnage (CGT), USD 45.3 billion) of all orders worldwide. Korea’s market share grew 4 percent to 37 percent in 2022, which is meaningful considering the 22 percent decrease in total global orders in 2022 compared to the previous year. Market share was largest in 2018 (38 percent). This achievement is assessed as attr date2023-01-05

Minister visits LG Chem Life Sciences Company

Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Lee Chang-yang visited the LG Chem Life Sciences Company’s Osong plant on January 3 to assess recent domestic and international bioindustry trends and discuss measures to strengthen Korea’s competitiveness.   Minister Lee received a briefing from the company’s president Son Jee-woong on company operations and issues, led discussions on bioindustry trends and toured the facilities, encouraging the site employees.   date2023-01-04

FDI pledged to Korea in 2022 reach record-breaking $30.5 billion

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on January 3 of 2023 that the annual foreign direct investments (FDIs) for 2022 increased by 3.2 percent to USD 30.5 billion. The FDIs that actually arrived in Korea over the same period declined 3.1 percent to $18.0 billion. A robust manufacturing base and system improvement efforts boosted FDI to historic highs despite global economic uncertainties, and contributed to an increase in investment and employment. By industry, investment pledge date2023-01-04