Korea Importers Association Hosts Import Policy Forum 'RE: IMPORT 2026'

Co-hosted by the Office of National Assembly Member Heo Seongmu and the Korea Association of Trade and Commerce

The Korea Importers Association announced on the 3rd that it hosted the import policy forum 'RE: IMPORT 2026' in collaboration with the office of National Assembly member Heo Seongmu and the Korea Association of Trade and Commerce, at Seminar Room 3 of the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

On the 2nd, attendees are taking a commemorative photo at the 'RE: IMPORT 2026' event held in Seminar Room 3 of the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Korea Importers Association

This forum was organized to revisit the strategic value of the import industry and discuss response strategies for both the government and the private sector, amid growing uncertainty in the external environment, such as the restructuring of global supply chains, the strengthening of protectionism, and changes in trade norms.

During her opening address, Yoon Youngmi, Chairperson of the Korea Importers Association, stated, "Imports are not just one pillar of trade, but a core foundation that supports industrial competitiveness and supply chain stability." She emphasized, "The role and contribution of the import industry to the national economy should be reflected in policy in a balanced way." She added, "The association will further strengthen its role as a platform that systematically identifies policy needs of import companies and connects industry and government."

National Assembly member Heo Seongmu stressed, "Although imports are a crucial pillar of our economy, they have not been sufficiently highlighted in policy discussions so far." He continued, "As small and medium-sized import companies are struggling with rising tariffs, logistics costs, and various regulations, there is a need to expand policy support." In particular, he said, "We will actively support the enhancement of supply chain security and system improvements at the National Assembly level, under the recognition that imports are a partner in completing export competitiveness."

Kang Gamchan, Director General for Trade and Investment Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, said in his congratulatory remarks, "Last year, our country surpassed 700 billion dollars in exports and emerged as a major exporting nation. We must not forget that imports served as a strong foundation for this achievement." He emphasized, "Trade can only achieve sustainable growth when the two pillars of exports and imports function together." He added, "I hope this forum will serve as an opportunity to revisit the role of imports and identify necessary policy tasks for the future development of trade."

Yoon Youngmi, Chairman of the Korea Importers Association, is delivering the opening address at 'RE: IMPORT 2026' held on the 2nd at the 3rd Seminar Room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Korea Importers Association

The forum was held in two sessions. Session 1 focused on 'The Role of the Import Industry in Improving the Trade Deficit and Corporate Support and Association Innovation Strategies for Advancing the Ecosystem.' Presentations included an assessment of the economic contribution and policy needs of small and medium-sized import companies, a discussion on the development of the association by comparing global import organizations, and research on Korea Importers Association's commissioned Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) business for sustainable management. The session discussed the economic contributions of the import industry and strategies for advancing the ecosystem.

Session 2 was on 'Practical and Legal/Institutional Response Strategies of Import Companies to Changes in the Global Trade Environment.' Presentations addressed strategies for responding to overseas direct purchases, focusing on the use of FTAs and new trade norms, and risk management measures for import contracts under customs uncertainty, bringing the forum to a close.

An official from the Korea Importers Association stated, "With this forum as a starting point, we plan to continuously identify policy agendas for the import industry and further expand policy proposal activities to enhance supply chain stability and industrial competitiveness."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.