A 33% Increase Compared to the Same Period Last Year
Last month, the number of technical regulations notified by World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries reached 598, marking a 33% increase compared to the same period last year (448 cases) and setting a record high.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on the 9th, under the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), countries are obligated to notify the WTO when they establish or amend technical regulations, standards, conformity assessment procedures, and other technical measures that have a significant impact on trade.
By country, the United States, a leading regulator, ranked highest, followed by developing countries including the East African Community (EAC) such as Rwanda and Kenya, which notified food-related regulations.
By sector, the food and pharmaceutical sector (35.6%), chemical and ceramic sector (15.9%), and electrical and electronics sector (9.0%) accounted for the majority of notified technical regulations. In the food and pharmaceutical sector, regulations increased by 63% compared to the same period last year due to the re-amendment of food testing methods, labeling, and medical devices. The electrical and electronics sector also saw an increase, mainly due to energy efficiency regulations on home appliances such as refrigerators centered in the United States.
The 15 key countries, referring to the top 10 export countries and 5 emerging markets that account for over 80% of South Korea's exports, notified 132 cases (22.0%). The United States maintained its first place, notifying 78 cases including regulations related to eco-friendly vehicles, nearly doubling compared to 42 cases in the same period last year. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, ranked second and third, mostly notified food and pharmaceutical-related regulations.
An official from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated, "Based on the current trend analysis, the increase in technical barriers to trade is expected to accelerate further this year," adding, "We will strengthen cooperation among industry, academia, research, and government, and build close partnerships with companies to actively respond."
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