Korea and the EU formally signed a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA), making the EU Korea’s second DTA partner after Singapore. The announcement also covers EU corporate investments totaling $165 million in Korea across advanced technology sectors, and high-level trade talks between Korea’s trade negotiation chief and EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on supply chains and […]
Topic Archives:Market Access
Korea-Saudi Arabia Sign MOU on Crude Oil and Gas Cooperation, Strengthening Resource and Industrial Partnership
South Korea and Saudi Arabia signed an MOU on crude oil and gas cooperation to establish a mid-to-long-term resource cooperation framework. Saudi Arabia, Korea’s top crude oil supplier, previously committed to prioritizing crude and naphtha supply to Korea. The visit also advanced cooperation on manufacturing infrastructure (automotive, shipbuilding) and minerals/advanced industries.
Korea’s Trade Promotion Committee Discusses FTA Progress and US Section 301 Response
Korea’s 57th Trade Promotion Committee, chaired by Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, reviewed ongoing FTA negotiations including the Korea-Mongolia CEPA (resuming June 2025), Korea-China FTA services/investment follow-up talks, and Korea-Morocco CEPA. The meeting also addressed the status of and response plans to US Section 301 trade investigations against Korea.
Korea Government Mobilizes Full Response to EU New Steel Measures, Works to Secure Steel Industry Interests
South Korea’s Ministry of Trade held a meeting with the Korea Iron & Steel Association and major steelmakers on June 16 to share progress on Korea-EU steel quota negotiations ongoing since April. The talks concern the EU’s new steel import management regime under its ‘Steel Overcapacity Response Act,’ set to take effect July 1 as […]
Korea-Mongolia CEPA Negotiations Progress and Strategic Economic Cooperation Discussed
Korea’s Trade Minister met with Mongolia’s Minister of Economic Development to advance the Korea-Mongolia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations and expand economic cooperation. Mongolia is highlighted as a key emerging trade partner rich in critical minerals including copper, molybdenum, and rare earths. The talks focused on institutionalizing bilateral trade and investment through the CEPA […]
Lifting of Temporary Import Suspension on Poultry Meat from Spain
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the lifting of a temporary import suspension on poultry meat and related products from Spain. This measure relates to SPS-based trade restrictions previously imposed, likely due to avian influenza. The removal restores market access for Spanish poultry products to Japan.
Results of the 42nd Japan-Russia Fisheries Commission Meeting (Japan-Russia Coastal and Offshore Fisheries Negotiations)
Japan and Russia held the 42nd session of their bilateral fisheries commission to negotiate coastal and offshore fishing arrangements. The meeting covered access quotas and conditions for Japanese fishing vessels in Russian waters. Specific allocations and operational terms were agreed upon for the fishing season.
UK Trade Tariff: Duty Suspensions and Autonomous Tariff Quotas
UK government guidance on temporary duty suspensions and autonomous tariff quotas (ATQs) for importing goods into the UK. These measures reduce or eliminate import duties on specific goods on a temporary basis. The update reflects current applicable suspensions and quotas as of June 2026.
UK-India FTA enters into force on July 15th
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, valued at £4.8bn, is set to enter into force on July 15th. Businesses are urged to begin preparations for the implementation of the deal. This is a landmark bilateral trade agreement between the two countries.
USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigation into Germany’s Pharmaceutical Pricing Practices
USTR Jamieson Greer has initiated a Section 301 investigation against Germany over alleged persistent underpayment for innovative pharmaceutical products. The investigation will determine whether Germany’s pricing practices are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce. This is a formal trade action under the Trade Act of 1974 that could lead to retaliatory tariffs […]