- Negotiations
The government of South Korea and nine members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam) signed an FTA together in May 2006, which took effect in July 2006.
Due to concerns about agriculture, particularly the deal’s provisions on rice and livestock, Thailand negotiated separate arrangements with the Korean government to join the pact in early 2009. Korea is also interested in a separate, higher level FTA with Malaysia.
last update: May 2012
Photo: Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 3.0
23-Jun-2025
Yonhap
Korean President and Malaysian Prime Minister agreed to work together to expand bilateral cooperation in a "mutually beneficial and substantive" manner, including efforts to conclude a free trade pact.
10-Jun-2025
Yonhap
South Korea and Thailand are set to kick off their sixth round of negotiations for a bilateral economic partnership agreement.
13-May-2025
Yonhap
South Korea and Malaysia were set to hold their ninth round of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement, as the two sides seek to broaden their trade portfolio and enhance cooperation.
8-Apr-2025
Korea JoongAng Daily
Korea and Malaysia were set to hold their eighth round of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement, as the two sides seek to broaden their trade portfolio and enhance cooperation.
4-Mar-2025
Chosun Biz
The 4th round of EPA negotiations between South Korea and Thailand held in Seoul, focus on 17 areas including trade in goods and services, digital economy, and sustainable development, with the goal of strengthening economic ties in a volatile global trade environment.
22-Jan-2025
The Korea Times
Korea has launched the sixth round of negotiations with Malaysia for a bilateral free trade agreement as part of efforts to broaden its trade portfolio and enhance cooperation with the partner country.
7-Jan-2025
PortCalls
The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Tariff Commission (TC) have subsequently released implementing guidelines and updated their online tariff finder to reflect the new tariff schedules. Executive Order No. 80 formalizes the Philippines’ tariff commitments under the FTA, subjecting listed goods from South Korea to the specified import duties upon entry.
25-Nov-2024
The Korea Times
Korea’s trade ministry said it has discussed ways to bolster trade cooperation with Malaysia by expediting ongoing negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement.
22-Oct-2024
Korea JoongAng Daily
The industry ministry said that it has launched the fifth round of negotiations with Malaysia for a bilateral FTA as Korea aims to broaden its trade portfolio.
9-Jul-2024
Korea Times
Korea’s trade ministry announced Tuesday that it has launched the first round of negotiations with Thailand to seek an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) aimed at bolstering bilateral trade and investment.
