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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’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.
Mercosur and South Korea fourth round of trade talks, this time in Busan
South Korea plans to hold the fourth round of trade talks with Mercosur as Seoul aims to expand its trade network with emerging countries and revitalize its ailing exports.
S. Korea’s FTA with 5 Central American nations partially takes effect on Oct. 1
South Korea’s free trade agreement with five Central American countries becomes partially effective on 1 Oct, putting the country on path to enjoy near tariff-free access to markets across the Latin and South American map.
Seoul, Moscow to hold 2nd round of FTA negotiations on service sector
South Korea’s trade ministry said Monday it plans to hold the second round of FTA negotiations with Russia in the service and investment segments, in line with the government’s efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties.
India, US fail to make breakthrough on trade deal at New York talks
India is expected to open its market for US farm, pharmaceutical and communication technology products. The US would in return restore partially benefits accorded to Indian exporters under the Generalized System of Preferences.
S. Korea, Russia to form joint investment fund, accelerate FTA talks
The two nations agreed to speed up free trade negotiations in the service and investment sectors with a goal of striking the deal in 2020.
Chile, Korea to update FTA
Chile and Korea trade links are based on bilateral free trade agreement and now dedicated to its updating.
Honduras-Korea free trade deal to take effect in October
A free trade agreement (FTA) between Honduras and Korea will take effect on Oct. 1 — the latest in gradual yet consistent developments in bilateral relations after they were established in 1962.