South Korea's trade ministry said on January 8 it will expand communications with the United States to avert potential conflicts over revisions to the country's network law. Last week, the U.S. State Department voiced "significant" concerns about a recently passed amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act, aimed at curbing false online information, warning it could spark trade tensions. To mitigate this, the ministry plans to intensify outreach on non-tariff trade barriers.
SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources announced on Thursday plans to broaden dialogue with the United States to avoid disputes arising from revisions to the nation's network law. The U.S. State Department last week raised "significant" concerns regarding a newly enacted amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act, which targets false and fabricated online content, suggesting it could ignite trade frictions between the allies.
During a trade strategy meeting, the ministry resolved to ramp up engagement with Washington specifically to address non-tariff barrier issues. The session also covered countermeasures against protectionist moves by trading partners, such as bolstered steel safeguard measures from the European Union and Canada, and Mexico's proposed tariff increases.
Furthermore, the ministry aims to diversify South Korea's trade ties toward Latin America and Africa this year, while advancing agreements in supply chains, the digital economy, and green sectors. Notably, it intends to promptly launch negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Egypt.
"The global political and economic environment surrounding Korea remains challenging in 2026, and amid these turbulent conditions, we will steadfastly pursue a trade policy centered on the national interest," Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo stated in a press release.
This initiative underscores efforts to safeguard bilateral trade stability amid South Korea's push for digital regulatory reforms. While the network law revision seeks to combat online misinformation, the U.S. has flagged potential impacts on free speech and trade barriers.
