Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Korea initiates process to join Digital Economic Partnership Agreement (DEPA)

The Office of the Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy officially notified New Zealand, the Depositary of the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement (DEPA), of Korea’s intent to join the Agreement on September 13. The government has completed the domestic procedures to initiate negotiations on Korea’s accession to the DEPA, including a feasibility study (May 2020), public hearing (May 2021) and report to the National Assembly (August 2021), and has secure date2021-09-13

Korea’s August exports jump 34.9% to $53.2 billion

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on September 1 that Korea’s exports in August saw a year-on-year expansion of 34.9 percent and recorded USD 53.2 billion, hitting the highest value for the month of August in history. Imports jumped 44.0 percent to $51.6 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $1.7 billion. Exports posted growth for 10 consecutive months. It is also the first time in 11 years that exports increased more than 20 percent for five straight months. Daily date2021-09-02

Korea’s retail industry sees sales growth of 13.1% in July

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on August 26 that Korea’s retail industry saw sales growth of 13.1 percent in July. Both offline and online sales posted growth, up 7.0 percent and 20.2 percent, respectively. The Ministry releases monthly retail sales figures based on surveys of 26 major retailers. Half of them are physical retailers: three department store chains, three hypermarket chains, three convenience store chains, and four 'super supermarket' (SSM) operators. date2021-08-26

S.Korea's bio-health industry exports log best-ever first half in 2021

S.Korea's bio-health industry exports log best-ever first half in 2021 date2021-08-25

Auto exports edge down 2.9%, export value rises 12.3% in July

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on August 18 that Korea’s automobile output, domestic sales, and exports went down 13.9 percent, 9.6 percent, and 2.9 percent, respectively. However, in value terms, the export value increased 12.3 percent to $4.1 billion, posting double-digit growth for seven straight months. Declines in production and exports are attributable to a high base effect from last year’s expansion and fewer working days (down 2 days) this year. Vehic date2021-08-18

Korea’s ICT exports advance for 14 straight months, up 30.2% to $19.5 billion in July

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on August 12 that exports of Korea’s information and communications technology (ICT) goods increased 30.2 percent to USD 19.5 billion in July, posting growth for 14 consecutive months and hitting the record high export value for the month of July in history. Imports gained 14.9 percent to $11.3 billion, and the trade balance stood at a surplus of $8.2 billion. Exports of all major ICT goods recorded growth. Chip exports jumped 38.8 pe date2021-08-12

Korea announces plans to secure supply of rare metals

Korea announced, on August 5, measures to secure supply of rare metals, which are key materials used in major industries including future cars, secondary batteries, and low carbon energy. As part of the policy to strengthen competitiveness of materials, parts and equipment industries, the government aims to stabilize the supply chain of rare metals by increasing the stockpile, support rare metal firms with R&D and commercialization, and establish a cooperative system among private and public date2021-08-05

Korea’s exports in July grow 29.6% to $55.4 billion, hitting record high value

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on August 1 that the value of Korean goods shipped overseas in July grew 29.6 percent to USD 55.4 billion, hitting the record high monthly export value.   Imports jumped 38.2 percent to $53.7 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $1.8 billion.   Exports exceeded the $50 billion mark for five straight months. It is also the first time in 10 years that exports increased more than 20 percent for four straight months. Daily export date2021-08-02