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Korea

The government of South Korea has concluded, or is pursuing negotiations for, a number of bilateral free trade and investment agreements. Korean social movements have been mobilizing in opposition to these ever since the Korea-Chile FTA was proposed. So far, South Korea has signed deals with Chile (2004), EFTA (2004), Singapore (2005), ASEAN (2007) the US (2007, ratified in 2011), Peru (2011) and Turkey (2012). Talks are under way with Canada, China, Mexico, India, the EU and, technically speaking, Japan. Negotiations with Colombia have stalled over Colombia’s demands for access for better terms for its fruit and flower exports than what Korea gives Chile and Peru. Seoul is also looking to open discussions with Mercosur, Malaysia, Mexico and possibly Israel.

last update: May 2012
Photo: Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 3.0


S. Korea vows to bolster economic cooperation with Russia, Mongolia
South Korea plans to bolster economic ties with Russia, Mongolia and other Central Asian nations and use the momentum to buttress recovery of the export-driven economy.
Seoul, Moscow to hold 3rd round of FTA talks on service sector
South Korea said it plans to hold the 3rd round of FTA negotiations with Russia in the service and investment segments this week, as the country endeavors to diversify its trade portfolio amid protectionism.
S. Korean investment agreements allow paper companies to request international arbitration
South Korea has concluded no fewer than 99 investment agreements that allows paper companies to take advantage of investor-state dispute system.
Korea in FTA talks with Asian, South American powerhouses
South Korea has secured 16 free trade partners — 12 countries and four trade blocs — around the globe since it started pursuing bilateral free trade agreements two decades ago.
S. Korea eyes more FTAs with emerging countries in 2020
South Korea said it plans to expand its global network of free-trade agreements in 2020 by establishing deeper ties with emerging countries.
Moon pledges to expand FTA network
President Moon Jae-in pledged to expand South Korea‘s global free trade agreement network to boost its economic growth and fend off protectionism.
S. Korea eyes striking FTAs with 12 more countries by 2022
South Korea’s trade ministry said it plans to strike free trade agreements (FTAs) with 12 more countries by 2022
S. Korea’s parliament ratifies free trade deal with Britain
South Korea’s National Assembly ratified the free trade agreement between Seoul and London in a move to brace for Britain’s exit from the European Union.
Korea to vitalize FTA talks with S. American countries
South Korea has become the first Asian country to sign a free trade agreement with a Central American trade bloc, composed of five countries — Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama.
S. Korean business lobby asks for exemption from possible US auto tariffs
The chief of a major Korean business lobby said he has asked the United States to exempt South Korea from any future tariffs on autos.