Key Issues Frequently Inquired by Companies
Summarized and Provided Through Videos and Reports
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has strengthened its promotional and communication efforts by providing digital customs-related information, in response to the growing difficulties faced by exporters due to the expansion of protectionist measures by major countries.
On January 21, the Ministry announced that it would produce and distribute a video series and the “Customs Response 119 Report,” which summarize key topics frequently inquired about by companies, with a focus on U.S. customs measures. These will be released through YouTube and social networking services (SNS).
The Ministry has first released a video series titled “Customs Response Tips for the U.S. by Officer Kim from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.” This series was produced in collaboration with relevant departments responsible for export support, U.S. trade, and trade law, as well as related organizations such as KOTRA and the Origin Information Center. The videos feature trade promotion and customs response officers directly explaining the three major customs issues that often confuse companies. The main topics covered are: ▲ Non-preferential rules of origin ▲ Calculation methods for steel and aluminum content value ▲ Customs refunds and post-verification procedures.
In addition, the government is utilizing the “Customs Response 119” cooperation system, a pan-government integrated consultation platform for customs-related difficulties, to publish the “Customs Response 119 Report” on a biweekly basis. The report includes updates on global protectionist measures, major support programs, case studies from each institution, and expert columns. Eleven partner institutions are participating, including KOTRA, the Korea International Trade Association, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, the Korea Federation of Mid-sized Enterprises, the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation, and the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency.
Digital promotional methods are also being expanded. The Ministry has established a dedicated digital communication task force within KOTRA and plans to actively utilize non-face-to-face channels such as YouTube, SNS, and newsletters to deliver customs response information. The videos and reports will be posted on the websites and YouTube channels (Trade TV and KOTRA TV) of the Ministry and KOTRA, as well as the SNS accounts of related organizations.
A Ministry official stated, “We have structured the content around the topics that companies inquire about most regarding protectionist measures,” adding, “We will further strengthen the provision of information that helps companies understand these issues and enhance communication with the field.”
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