The advanced materials, quantum sensor, and superconductor industries serve as the central axis of the convergence industry of quantum technology, AI, and new materials.
The global market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of over 20% from 2025 to 2026 and reach approximately $300 billion by 2030. Access to materials, components, technology cooperation, and procurement markets
through FTAs is a key competitive factor, and Korea is expanding exports of quantum materials, measurement equipment, and nanoprocess technologies based on agreements such as the Korea-EU, RCEP, CEPA, and IPEF . Major risks include the lack of technical standards, export controls, patent and IPR disputes, CBAM-type energy regulations , and the securitization of AI and quantum technology (in preparation for Q-Day) .
Risk factors | 2025~2026 Outlook | Influence (1~5) | Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lack of technical standards | Intensifying competition for national standards | 5 | Participation in ISO·IEC joint standards is necessary |
| Export Control | Quantum sensor and superconducting technology limitations | 4 | Resolution through the Korea-EU Technology Agreement |
| CBAM spread | High-energy material and process regulations | 4 | Strengthening LCA and RE100 Response |
| IP dispute | Conflict over patent and material licensing | 3 | Utilizing IP protection provisions within the FTA |
| Research personnel restrictions | Strengthening technology leakage prevention and security | 3 | Parallel technical security agreement necessary |
FTAs hold significance beyond mere tariff reductions
in the advanced materials and quantum sensor industries. The Korea-EU, CEPA, and RCEP agreements include chapters on technology, standards, and research cooperation , supporting the accumulation of rules of origin
for quantum sensors and superconductor equipment , entry into procurement markets, and the exchange of technical data
. In particular, CEPA is expanding into Korea-UAE joint R&D through the UAE Quantum and Advanced Materials Cluster Project .
Specific fields | FTA Applicability | Major obstacles | Management points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superconducting materials (HS8541/7006) | Korea-EU·RCEP | Safety and standard discrepancies | CE·IEC certification |
| Quantum sensor (HS9027) | CEPA · Korea-EU | IP and Export Control | Joint Patent and Technology Security System |
| Nanomaterials (HS3824) | RCEP·IPEF | Environmental and CBAM Regulations | LCA · Low Carbon Certification |
| Low-temperature cooling and measuring equipment | CEPA·RCEP | Complex procurement procedures | Utilization of CEPA technology procurement |
Although most advanced materials and quantum equipment are low-tariff items, technology security, standard certification, and environmental assessment act as barriers.
FTAs alleviate substantive barriers to entry through technology recognition, the opening of procurement markets, and mutual recognition of standards .
market | Major items | MFN (Basic Tax Rate) | When applying the FTA | Non-tariff barriers | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU | Quantum sensors and superconducting materials | 0~3% | 0% | CBAM·Ecolabel | LCA and Carbon Data Mandatory |
| UAE | Nano/sensor equipment | 5~8% | Elimination of CEPA phases | Technology Security and Procurement Regulations | Korea-UAE Bilateral Industrial Cooperation |
| japan | Nanomaterials and measuring equipment | 2~4% | RCEP application | JIS · Safety Certification | Mitigation possible through joint R&D |
| USA | Quantum materials and cooling systems | 0~2% | FTA low rate | ITAR·AI Security | CHIPS·Quantum Initiative Linkage |
| ASEAN | Advanced materials | 3~6% | RCEP accumulation | Quality and environmental regulations | Advantageous for expanding production bases and OEMs |
The advanced materials industry is evaluated as an industry that has high power and high carbon processes
, but at the same time supplies **carbon reduction technology materials (superconductivity, power efficiency, quantum resistance)**.
Systems/Issues | Key requirements | Influence (1~5) | react |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBAM | Submission of carbon data by material process | 5 | LCA·EPD implementation |
| ESG procurement | Production and supply chain transparency | 4 | ESG Certification and Disclosure |
| RE100 | Renewable power for research and production facilities | 3 | PPA·ESS linkage |
| Technical standards | Participation in ISO and IEC international standards | 4 | Securing Standard Leadership |
| Safety regulations | Safety certification for superconductors and cooling equipment | 3 | IEC·CE Integrated Certification |
Korea: Strengthening materials-equipment linked industrial clusters based on core technologies in nano, superconductivity, and quantum sensors.
EU: Demand for low-carbon advanced materials surges due to Green Deal and CBAM , and procurement market opening expands.
UAE: Establishment of CEPA-based Quantum and Materials R&D Cluster.
ASEAN: Emerging as a hub for intermediate processing of advanced materials.
United States: Strengthening the attraction of local production and supply chains based on the IRA and CHIPS Acts.
Combination of AI sentiment (α), global advanced materials investment indicators (β), and industrial sentiment (λ). A moderate upward trend is expected
in the fourth quarter of 2025 due to the expansion of EU-CEPA technology procurement and increased demand for ESG-friendly materials .
variable | Δ(%) or index | analysis |
|---|---|---|
| ΔExport_now | +3.5 | Increase in exports of superconducting materials and quantum sensors |
| ΔImport_now | +1.8 | Increased imports of high-purity materials and measuring equipment |
| ΔPrice_now | +0.6 | Reflecting the rise in raw material and process costs |
| ΔSignal_now | +0.042 | Technology and R&D news is positive |
| ΔFTAEffect | +0.39 | CEPA·RCEP Technological Effects |
| Forecast_3M | +0.66 | Maintaining a moderate upward trend for 3 months |
Formula (Summary): Forecast_3M = 0.5·ΔSignal + 0.3·ΔFTAEffect + 0.2·ΔPrice
field | Suggestion | Executing entity | Expected effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical standards | Expanded participation in ISO and IEC quantum and superconductivity standards | Ministry of Science and ICT and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy | Securing technological leadership |
| CBAM Response | Support for Low-Carbon Advanced Material LCA Certification | Ministry of Environment · KTR | Stable entry into the European market |
| IP protection | Expansion of technology and data protection provisions within FTA | Trade Headquarters | Minimizing technology theft and disputes |
| CEPA cooperation | Operation of a joint R&D program for quantum and materials | Ministry of Science and ICT · KOTRA | Expanding into the Middle East and EU markets |
| ESG incentives | Expansion of RE100 certification for advanced materials | Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KEPCO | Strengthening procurement competitiveness |
Cooperation in technology standards, ESG, and procurement through the FTA is the key to accelerating growth in the advanced materials, quantum sensor, and superconductor industries .
Forecast_3M: +0.66 — Reflecting the technological effects of CEPA and RCEP and the expansion of the EU procurement market.
Recommended Strategies: ① Strengthen standards and IP within the FTA technical chapter ② Expand joint research based on CEPA
③ Establish an LCA framework in response to CBAM ④ Strengthen the advanced materials supply chain based on ESG+RE100.