South Korea

Yonhap | English | News | April 25, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

China's refusal to comply with international law has negative implications for its economic interests and contributes to regional instability, according to a U.S. State Department spokesperson. This statement came after recent maritime tensions between Seoul and Beijing concerning China's construction of steel structures in the Yellow Sea. These structures were erected in the Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ), which overlaps the exclusive economic zones of both nations.

The tensions escalated in February when South Korean authorities were blocked from inspecting the Chinese structures by Chinese officials. A bilateral agreement established in 2000 permits both countries to operate fishing vessels and manage marine resources in the PMZ, restricting activities to navigation and fishing.

On April 23, representatives from South Korea and China met for working-level maritime talks in Seoul to address the ongoing issues surrounding the steel structures. The U.S. emphasized the importance of adherence to international law, stating that great powers should express their intentions clearly to foster stability beneficial for all countries involved.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | April 25, 2025 | UndeterminedBizdev-Partnering

China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) will begin operations in South Korea in the second quarter of 2025, focusing on low-cost, fast-charging lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This expansion aims to strengthen relationships with local automakers like Hyundai and Kia and position Korea as a base for global growth amid rising trade tensions between the U.S. and China. CATL plans to hire local staff and will explore opportunities in the electric vehicle (EV) and commercial vehicle sectors, as well as collaborative projects.

CATL has significantly increased its global EV market share from 24.6% in 2020 to 37.9% in 2024, while the shares of Korean manufacturers LG Energy Solutions, SK On, and Samsung SDI have declined. CATL batteries currently power 15.21% of the registered EVs in Korea, surpassing the market share of Samsung SDI. The company aims to continue its focus on customer needs and safety, emphasizing its commitment to innovation and the development of battery safety technologies.

Addressing the competitive landscape, CATL acknowledges the recent advancements made by Korean manufacturers in LFP technology while expressing its intent to collaborate. With growing concerns over battery safety due to incidents in the industry, CATL has implemented advanced safety measures, such as NP technology, designed to prevent thermal propagation during failures. As the EV market faces challenges, including political factors influencing energy policies, CATL remains committed to innovation and sustainable growth through significant R&D investments and a comprehensive innovation strategy.

다른 나라 비관세 지적하더니…미국 무역기술장벽 더 높였다

Money Today | Local Language | News | April 25, 2025 | UndeterminedTrade Issues and Numbers

On April 21, South Korea's exports to the US experienced a decline of more than 5% compared to the same period last year, attributed to tariffs imposed by the US government. Notably, while semiconductor exports saw a rise of 10.7%, other key categories such as automobiles, petroleum products, and auto parts recorded significant decreases. This trend raised concerns about the impact of US trade policies on South Korea's export economy.

The US, while criticizing non-tariff barriers implemented by other nations, has reportedly intensified its own technical trade barriers. The National Institute of Technology and Standards reported a 12% increase in technical regulations notified by World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries in the first quarter of the year, with the US experiencing a notable 29.4% rise in these barriers. This increase includes stricter automobile safety and energy efficiency regulations, as well as restrictions on hazardous substances in cosmetics.

China and the EU have also tightened their technical regulations, with China focusing on household goods and electronic products and the EU revising rules for hazardous substances in electronics. In response to these challenges, the National Institute of Technology and Standards convened a meeting with about 20 executives from various export sectors to discuss the difficulties posed by these trade barriers. The institute has been actively addressing global regulatory issues affecting South Korean exports, having resolved several cases related to technology regulations in the previous year and into the current year.