Industry ministry to double budget to support SMEs affected by foreign import barriers | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK SEOUL, March 12 (Yonhap) -- The government will double its budget this year to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in responding to foreign trade regulations, officials said Thursday, in line with the strengthening trade barriers among major economies. Korea, China, Japan, 13 other economies: USTR Industry ministry to form team to manage envisioned U.S. investment projects under trade deal Keywords #industry ministry #trade restrictions Articles with issue keywords Most Liked U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation (News Focus) Topping 10 mln, 'The King's Warden' offers rare boost to Korean cinema (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats (News Focus) How 'The King's Warden' captured 10 mln Korean viewers BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones Most Saved (News Focus) How 'The King's Warden' captured 10 mln Korean viewers (News Focus) Topping 10 mln, 'The King's Warden' offers rare boost to Korean cinema U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation (LEAD) S. Korea won't be hindered regardless of potential shift of USFK's assets (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats S. Korean Embassy in Beijing prev Industry ministry to double budget to support SMEs affected by foreign import barriers Next Industry ministry to double budget to support SMEs affected by foreign import barriers

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SEOUL, March 12 (Yonhap) -- The government will double its budget this year to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in responding to foreign trade regulations, officials said Thursday, in line with the strengthening trade barriers among major economies.
The budget for the support program will be expanded to 2 billion won (US$1.3 million) this year, up from 1.08 billion won in 2025, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said.
Under the program, the ministry will provide consulting services on responses to foreign countries' antidumping and safeguard measures, as well as tariff policies.
It will also help companies identify the scope of U.S. sectoral tariffs and other import restriction measures of major economies, while assisting them in submitting opinions to foreign governments in relation to trade probes.
Earlier in the day, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump said it has opened a trade inquiry into South Korea, China, Japan and 13 other economies under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act to uncover unfair trade practices related to structural excess capacity and production.
The U.S. administration also plans to initiate an additional investigation under the legal provision that allows the office of the U.S. Trade Representative to investigate unfair foreign trade practices, a move expected to result in likely tariffs.
Containers are stacked at a port in Pyeongtaek, about 60 kilometers south of Seoul, on Feb. 25, 2026. (Yonhap)
nyway@yna.co.kr
(END)
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Industry ministry to double budget to support SMEs affected by foreign import barriers

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- Containers are stacked at a port in Pyeongtaek, about 60 kilometers south of Seoul, on Feb. 25, 2026. (Yonhap) nyway@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles Gov't to provide comprehensive support for SME exporters to Middle East (2nd LD) U.S. launches Section 301 trade investigation into S.

### Areas for Consideration
- Korea, China, Japan, 13 other economies: USTR Industry ministry to form team to manage envisioned U.S. investment projects under trade deal Keywords #industry ministry #trade restrictions Articles with issue keywords Most Liked U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation (News Focus) Topping 10 mln, 'The King's Warden' offers rare boost to Korean cinema (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats (News Focus) How 'The King's Warden' captured 10 mln Korean viewers BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones Most Saved (News Focus) How 'The King's Warden' captured 10 mln Korean viewers (News Focus) Topping 10 mln, 'The King's Warden' offers rare boost to Korean cinema U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation (LEAD) S.

### Implications
- OK SEOUL, March 12 (Yonhap) -- The government will double its budget this year to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in responding to foreign trade regulations, officials said Thursday, in line with the strengthening trade barriers among major economies.
- The budget for the support program will be expanded to 2 billion won (US$1.3 million) this year, up from 1.08 billion won in 2025, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said.
- Under the program, the ministry will provide consulting services on responses to foreign countries' antidumping and safeguard measures, as well as tariff policies.
- It will also help companies identify the scope of U.S. sectoral tariffs and other import restriction measures of major economies, while assisting them in submitting opinions to foreign governments in relation to trade probes.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers trade, korea, foreign topics. Notable strengths include discussion of trade. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 586.