“In October, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea
strengthened its cooperation with Germany and the EU on ‘industrial data and regulations,’
expanded its network of ‘export diversification, digitalization, and supply chains’ with ASEAN and RCEP, and
simultaneously prepared a defensive line and strategy to respond to the EU’s strengthened steel quotas and environmental regulations.”
1. Korea-Germany "Industrial Data Cooperation": The Path to a Global Testing Ground for Manufacturing AX (Advanced Transformation)
On October 23,
the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIR) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWE) co-hosted
the "2nd Korea-Germany Industrial Data Space Forum" at the Nine Tree Premier Hotel in Yongsan, Seoul . ( Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy)
Main contents
Sharing experiences with Catena-X (German automotive industry data space)
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is promoting the 2026 budget for the Korean Industrial Data Space Standard Model project.
KIAT, KICOX, and domestic AI solution companies present examples of manufacturing data sharing and standardization.
Discussion on data space interoperability (standards & interoperability) between Korea and Germany
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's data policy is closer to 'platforms and standards' than regulations. The Korea-Germany cooperation is an infrastructure investment aimed at elevating
Korean manufacturing to AI- and data-driven AX (Advanced Transformation) .”
Corporate position
This means joining the global norm that connects data across the entire value chain, rather than DX at the individual factory or company level.
To the Office of the President and the people
"Industrial data standards and spaces can be described as the new 'power and road networks' of the AI era. "
2. ASEAN and RCEP: Export Diversification + Expanding Digital and Supply Chain Cooperation
At the 2025 ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (including RCEP-related meetings) held from late September to October,
Yeo Han-koo, the head of the trade negotiation headquarters, said
We held a series of bilateral meetings with nine countries, including New Zealand, the United States, the EU, Australia, Japan, and Singapore .
Broad discussions on export diversification, digital trade, supply chain cooperation, and FTA improvement and implementation . Korea International Trade Association
Especially in relation to RCEP
Expedited commencement of new membership process,
Korea proposes the introduction of new trade rules, including a negative transition to service concessions, and makes it clear that it aims to be a leading country in RCEP rules . Korea International Trade Association
“A strategy is underway to expand ASEAN and RCEP into ‘second domestic markets’ rather than focusing solely on the US, China, and the EU as export markets .”
RCEP is not just a simple tariff agreement;
it is a new East Asian trade infrastructure encompassing digital, services, and investment .
3. EU Regulatory Environment & Steel Quotas: Industrial Diplomacy: Simultaneously Preparing for Offense and Defense
(1) EU Trade Policy Forum – 'Regulatory Environment Response' in Full Swing
On October 28, the "3rd EU Trade Policy Forum – Strategic Responses for Korean Companies to the Changing EU Regulatory Environment"
was held at the Inspire Conference Room in Seoul Station , hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's European Trade Division and organized by the Korea-European Studies Association .
Key issues discussed
The Impact of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Guidelines (CSDDD) on Korean Companies' Supply Chains and Governance
Response strategies for strengthening eco-design regulations and environmental regulations
The Impact of Changes in Labor Visa and Personnel Movement Regulations within the EU on HR and Recruitment at Local Corporations: The Korean-European Studies Association
→ The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has entered the stage of developing a response strategy for Korean companies, focusing not only on the EU CBAM but also on the entire ‘normative package’ including CSDDD, eco-design, and labor visas.
(2) Push to reduce EU steel quotas – Launching an export defense war
October 7, Reuters report
The EU executive is pushing forward with a plan to
halve the duty-free import quota for steel, including from South Korea, and impose a 50% tariff on any excess . Reuters
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy expressed concerns about a “serious blow to Korean steel exports” and indicated plans to request separate consideration for FTA partner countries
through prompt bilateral discussions . Reuters
The EU's environmental and sustainability standards
pose a risk to Korean companies, but they also present an opportunity to foster green and ESG competitiveness .
“The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
is supporting the establishment of ESG, environmental, and labor standards in line with EU regulations on the one hand, and on the other hand, is simultaneously pursuing a quota and tariff defense strategy
for key items such as steel and automobiles .”
4. October Export and Import Trends: The Link Between Structural Change and Industrial Diplomacy
According to the 'October 2025 Export and Import Trends' (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy press release) announced on November 1,
October exports grew positively compared to the same month last year (detailed figures are provided in the press release PDF) .
The recovery of key items such as semiconductors, automobiles, and shipbuilding is remarkable.
The share of exports to ASEAN and the Middle East continues to grow. South Korea Policy Briefing
“ We need to show that the export recovery is not a coincidence, but the result of
supply chain diversification, market diversification, and compliance with trade norms working together.”
1. Germany and the EU (especially the German BMWE and the EU Commission)
Germany – Industrial Data and Manufacturing Innovation Partner
Germany is seeking to expand Catena-X and Manufacturing-X as global standards, strengthening its view
of Korea as a key partner in East Asia . Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
EU Commission – Regulation, Steel, Digital Trade
From the EU's perspective
In the process of consistently pushing forward the 'Green and Sustainability Package' including CSDDD, eco-design, CBAM, and steel quota adjustment ,
It remains to be seen how willing Korea is to accept, coordinate, and cooperate with this . The Korean-European Studies Association
"Korea is not a country that avoids norms. Rather,
it is prepared to collaborate in designing norms that simultaneously consider industry, the environment, and labor.
However, as an FTA partner, it must be guaranteed fair market access. "
2. ASEAN and RCEP member countries
ASEAN and RCEP countries
Check whether Korea only prioritizes its relations with the US and EU,
or truly views ASEAN as a strategic partner . Korea International Trade Association
It is important to repeat the message that “Korea views RCEP and ASEAN
not as ‘alternative markets in times of crisis,’ but
as ‘long-term, strategic partners. ’”
To secure trust, we must propose
a "norms + technology + investment" package of cooperation, including digital trade regulations, service market opening, and supply chain early warning systems . Korea International Trade Association
3. China
As the third supply chain hotline meeting between Korea and China (to be held in the first half of 2025) suggests,
China is
In the process of reorganizing the supply chain with the US and EU
It's worth observing how closely we move toward "derisking" rather than "decoupling . " Korea.net
While South Korea
cooperates closely with the United States in security and core technology areas, it also seeks to
maintain the stability of the Korea-China supply chain in civilian manufacturing, consumer goods, and intermediate goods .
It would be beneficial to regularly mention supply chain hotlines and early warning systems in policy communication briefings to increase predictability. Korea.net
4. US and G7
Since the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Industry and Technology Innovation
highlighted "core supply chain resilience and sustainability" as a key agenda item,
Korea has established itself as a middle power participating in supply chain, semiconductor, and battery discussions as a G7+ partner . (KDI Economic Information Center)
1) Korean perspective
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's international cooperation
is an "expanded industrial diplomacy" approach that extends beyond factories and products to encompass data, regulations, and supply chains.
During October, Korea coordinated
industrial data and manufacturing AX with Germany,
digital and supply chain cooperation with ASEAN and RCEP,
and regulations and steel quota defense with the EU,
laying the foundation for simultaneously protecting both export structure and industrial competitiveness.
2) National interest perspective
Germany, the EU, ASEAN, China, the US, and international organizations
are all closely watching Korea's supply chain, regulations, and data strategies.
The 'Weekly Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy International Cooperation Policy Communication Briefing' should serve as a platform to provide a coherent narrative explaining the direction
Korea
is taking in its industrial and trade strategies within these diverse interests.
