The Ministry of SMEs and Startups has begun supporting export small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in response to external environmental changes, such as the tariff measures of the second administration of Donald Trump in the United States. It operates an 'Issue Reporting Center' nationwide and specially manages more than 50 export items that are likely to be affected by the U.S. tariff policies. Policy funds will also be supplied to overseas corporations to support responses to the restructuring of global supply chains.
On the 18th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced the '2025 export support plan for small and venture enterprises' at the sixth export strategy meeting chaired by Acting President and Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups decided to operate 'Issue Reporting Centers' at 15 export support centers nationwide and to specially manage approximately 50 items.
Emergency management stabilization funds will be provided to SMEs facing management crises. If necessary, the support limit for export voucher logistics costs will also be raised from 30 million won to 40 million won. The evaluation procedures for policy funds will be simplified for SMEs promoting export diversification.
As part of the response to the restructuring of global supply chains, 60 billion won will also be provided to overseas corporations in policy funds. Guarantees for companies expanding overseas will be significantly increased from 10 billion won to 30 billion won. An 'Overseas Expansion Support Base' will also be established in Silicon Valley, U.S.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups will work to establish a robust export structure for SMEs that is not shaken by external environmental changes. It plans to nurture 1,000 corporations with export amounts over $1 million this year. Previously, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups stated that it aims to cultivate 3,000 corporations with export amounts over $1 million by 2027.
To support the export of tech services, a dedicated export voucher worth 14 billion won will be established. To solidify K-beauty's status, a 'K-Beauty Loan' worth 20 billion won will be created to support cosmetic production funds for SMEs, and an international K-beauty fair will be held. Additionally, clothing, personal items, and fashion goods will be selected as the three major new Korean Wave items, and specialized programs will be implemented to support entry into global distribution networks.
Strategic items for export to four regions, including ASEAN, the Middle East, India, and Latin America, will be established, along with tailored support programs. A direct support program for overseas diplomatic missions established in 25 regions across 17 countries will also be created to strengthen the cooperation foundation of the 'SME and Venture Business Support Council.'
Oh Youngju, Minister of SMEs and Startups, noted, 'Given that all of our export SMEs are inevitably affected when U.S. tariff measures are implemented, we will operate issue reporting centers nationwide where SMEs in distress can receive immediate consultation when needed and quickly alleviate their difficulties through emergency management stabilization funds and support for diversifying export countries.'