The government plans to accelerate the expansion of K-food exports. It aims to achieve exports of US$13.5 billion this year and has set a target of US$23 billion by 2027.On Feb. 20, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the “K-Food+ Export Innovation Strategy” to nurture K-fo
The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is targeting franchise businesses owned by private equity funds. In particular, tensions within the industry have escalated recently after Mom’s Touch was fined 300 million won (US$225,989) for unfair practices towards its franchisees.Yook Sung-kwon, the Secretary Gen
The criticism against Chinese e-commerce companies, which aggressively enter the domestic market with ultra-low prices, is growing due to their disregard for relevant laws while operating within the country. There are numerous complaints about these companies consistently sending advertisements that
The first meeting of the Korea-Netherlands Semiconductor Dialogue kicked off in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on Feb. 19 (local time). The Korean and Dutch governments agreed to hold the meeting during President Yoon Suk-yeol’s state visit to the Netherlands in December 2023. The ministries in charge
South Korea’s exports to China are expected to surge in 2024 due to a recovery of the IT market in China. However, South Korea is unlikely to record a large trade balance surplus as in the past due to an increase in imports of Chinese batteries and the declining competitiveness of Korean products.“I
Samsung Electronics’ 5G communication equipment is being supplied to the telecommunications operator TELUS, which has embarked on strengthening its 5G network by establishing Canada’s first Open Radio Access Network (OpenRAN).TELUS announced on Feb. 17 through its newsroom that it is expanding its c
The presidential office stated regarding Cuba, with which diplomatic relations have recently been established, that “as a major reserve of nickel and cobalt, which are essential for secondary battery production, Cuba holds significant potential for cooperation in mineral supply chain sectors.”Accord
As the global political environment is expected to change due to elections in major countries, Korean industries discussed trade issues such as global policy responses with the Korean government. Companies submitted recommendations to the Korean government on trade issues, including difficulties in
Korean forklifts set a new export record last year, benefiting from the increased demand for factory expansions in North America due to supply chain restructuring.According to the Customs Service’s export and import trade statistics on Feb. 14, Korea exported forklifts (forklift trucks and industria
Global electric vehicle registrations, excluding those in China, crossed 5.5 million units in 2023, marking a growth rate of 30 percent. Hyundai and Kia also fared well, ranking fourth in global deliveries.About 5,648,000 electric vehicles were registered globally in 2023, excluding those China, up
Executives and experts from domestic e-commerce companies such as Coupang are collaborating to develop strategies in response to the aggressive expansion efforts of Chinese e-commerce platforms including AliExpress and Temu.According to industry sources on Feb. 14, the Ministry of Trade, Industry an
On Feb. 14, President Yoon Suk-yeol stated, “We will strive to position South Korea as the most favorable destination for businesses worldwide.”President Yoon hosted a luncheon meeting with foreign investment company representatives at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in the Jung
The competition in the foldable phone market is expected to intensify this year. Amid predictions that Chinese companies, including Huawei, are set to release a “tri-fold phone” that can fold both inwards and outwards twice, Samsung, a leader in the foldable phone market, is anticipated to unveil it
According to industry sources on Feb. 12, Hanwha Impact, an affiliate of Hanwha Group, recently received final approval for a merger related to the acquisition of HSD Engine from the Korea Fair Trade Commission. This came one year after the company signed a memorandum of understanding for a stock pu
The European Union (EU)’s decision to approve a Korean Airlines-Asiana Airlines merger is fast approaching, drawing more attention from the airline industry. While many experts believe that approval will be given with some conditions, a formal outcome has not come out, keeping both airlines on edge.
China is dominating the global battery market backed by overwhelming growth in its home market. Stopping China’s rise in the global battery industry has become a big challenge for Korea, which ranks second in the market behind Chinese companies as well as the United States and Europe.Six of the worl
Starbucks Korea, the leading coffee chain by sales, has been reported to have the fourth-largest number of stores worldwide. According to the distribution industry on Feb. 12, data from Starbucks’ global website showed that, as of the end of last year, the number of Starbucks stores in South Korea i
South Korea’s aircraft exports exceeded US$1 billion for the first time in history last year. The successful export of FA-50 fighter jets to Poland is considered to have contributed significantly to this achievement.According to the Korea International Trade Association on Feb. 10, South Korea’s air
On Feb. 8, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) unveiled its agenda for the year, intending to elevate the criteria for designating business conglomerates subject to disclosure. Criticism has been directed at the regulations governing the disclosure of business groups as they are unique to South Korea. T
The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has decided to review the designation of dominant business entities, which is at the core of the Fair Competition Promotion Act (the Platform Act for short). This means that virtually, the Korean market watchdog will review the designation from scratch. Industr