Export Support Center Accepting Damage Reports Online
Task Force Meeting on Middle East Situation Scheduled for March 3
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on March 1 that it has begun receiving reports on damages suffered by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in connection with the U.S. airstrikes on Iran. The ministry also stated that it would promptly provide support such as export vouchers and emergency management stabilization funds to affected companies.
Since February 28, the ministry has established a system for receiving reports of damages from the situation in the Middle East through the Export Support Center website and other channels. It has also notified and requested cooperation from 11 related associations and organizations, including the Korea Federation of SMEs. This is due to concerns over the persistence of military tensions in the Middle East and the high level of uncertainty regarding the development of the situation in the region.
According to the ministry, as of last year, the export volume of SMEs to Israel stood at USD 390 million (0.3%), with 2,115 SME exporters (2.2%). Exports to Iran amounted to USD 140 million (0.1%), with 511 SME exporters (0.5%).
Based on the 'Export-Import Bank Overseas Direct Investment Statistics,' from 2021 to the third quarter of 2025, the number of new subsidiaries established by SMEs was reported to be five in Israel and zero in Iran.
Depending on the type of damage or difficulties encountered by SMEs, such as logistics disruptions and funding shortages, the ministry has discussed measures such as raising the export voucher limit for international shipping costs (from KRW 30 million to KRW 60 million) and providing alternative logistics services for SMEs in cooperation with logistics companies. The ministry also plans to strengthen tailored support by swiftly supplying policy funds and guarantees, including emergency management stabilization funds.
If the situation in the Middle East becomes prolonged, the ministry will expand the scope of its export damage monitoring to cover the entire region and will consider additional export and financial support measures.
On March 3, the ministry will launch the 'Middle East Situation Response Task Force for SMEs and Startups,' led by First Vice Minister Noh Yongseok, together with related associations and organizations, export and financial support agencies, regional SME offices, and export support centers. The task force will assess the current state of SME export damages and forecast the impact on SMEs by product and by region.
Noh Yongseok, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, "We will closely monitor developments related to the situation in the Middle East and continue to cooperate with relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Through the regional export support centers, we will monitor the status of damages suffered by SME exporters and focus on providing tailored responses."
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