Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Korea’s ICT exports advance 32.6% in April

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on May 14 that Korea’s exports of information and communications technology (ICT) products in April advanced 32.6 percent to USD 17.1 billion, hitting the record high value for the month of April. Imports expanded 21.5 percent to $10.8 billion, and the trade surplus stood at a surplus of $6.3 billion. Outbound shipments of all major items experienced growth. Exports of chips increased 29.4 percent to $9.4 billion, rising for 10 straig date2021-05-17

Automobile exports in April jump 52.8% despite global automotive semiconductor shortage

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on May 14 that Korea’s automobile output and exports in April rose 11.8 percent and 52.8 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, domestic sales shrank 3.8 percent. Total output by Korea’s automobile industry in April went up 11.8 percent to 323,644 units despite the global automotive semiconductor shortage. Domestic sales edged down 3.8 percent to 161,097 units, which was partly attributable to the decrease in the special consumption date2021-05-14

Korea, Israel vow to expand R&D cooperation

Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Moon Sung-wook (right) met with his Israeli counterpart Amir Peretz in Seoul, on May 12, to fully revise the Korea-Israel Technological Cooperation Treaty, originally signed in 1999.   Under the revision, each country will double the annual spending on joint R&D projects from USD 2 million to $4 million, raise the ceiling for government support from 50 percent to 70 percent, encourage participation of research institutes and universities, and expand date2021-05-13

Korea, Israel sign free trade pact

Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee (second from the right) attended the signing ceremony for the free trade agreement (FTA) between Korea and Israel in Seoul, on May 12.   Trade Minister Yoo said that the Korea-Israel FTA will not only lower tariffs and improve the investment environment, but will also build a strong platform that boosts economic growth by drumming up technological innovation and cooperation in high-tech industries between the two countries. date2021-05-13

Minister Moon attends Automobile Day Commemoration Event

Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Moon Sung-wook attended the 18th Automobile Day Commemoration Event at Seoul Automobile Center, on May 12, and delivered congratulatory remarks.   Minister Moon said that the government will strengthen policy support for the transition to future cars as it is the key task in realizing the 2050 carbon neutral goals and securing competitiveness for Korea’s automobile industry.   date2021-05-12

Minister Moon holds meeting with energy firms after cyberattack on U.S pipeline

Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Moon Sung-wook held a virtual meeting with representatives from state-run energy agencies, on May 11, to examine the emergency response systems of local power grids and pipelines amid the recent cyberattack on a major U.S. pipeline.   Minister Moon said that the government will closely monitor the impacts of the U.S. pipeline disruptions on the global oil market to prevent possible negative effects on the domestic oil supply, and cooperate with energy f date2021-05-11

S.Korea 11th in global export market for top-ranked items

S.Korea 11th in global export market for top-ranked items date2021-05-10

K-beauty boom makes S.Korea the fourth-largest cosmetics exporter

K-beauty boom makes S.Korea the fourth-largest cosmetics exporter date2021-05-06

Korea’s exports in April jump 41.1% to $51.2 billion

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on May 1 that Korea’s exports in April jumped 41.1 percent to USD 51.2 billion. Imports expanded 33.9 percent to $50.8 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $388 million. Exports in April recorded the sharpest year-on-year growth since January 2011. This is a noticeable improvement, way above the base effect from last year’s contraction (down 25.6 percent). The export value exceeded $50.0 billion for two months in a row, markin date2021-05-03

Amendments to the 「Enforcement Decree of the Environment-friendly Vehicles Act」approved at Cabinet Meeting

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that the government has approved amendments to the “Enforcement Decree of the Act on Promotion of Development and Distribution of Environment-friendly Motor Vehicles” during a cabinet meeting on April 27. The revisions mean that ① public institutions will be required to purchase only environment-friendly vehicles (current requirements are 70% of all vehicles), and ② parking electric vehicles (EVs) at standard charging stations date2021-04-30