The Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises said on the 10th that it held the "2026 first small business distribution industry committee" at KBIZ in Yeouido, Seoul.
The small business distribution industry committee is a consultative body operated to identify on-site difficulties of small businesses and the retail industry and to strengthen competitiveness in distribution. At the meeting, participants discussed changes in the business environment surrounding the retail industry and key issues facing small businesses.
Commissioners agreed that prolonged high interest rates and high inflation are increasing the financial burden on small businesses, and that the rise in closures due to deteriorating profitability is also a serious problem. They noted that effective support measures are needed to boost consumption and revitalize domestic demand.
There were also concerns that fees and advertising costs incurred when using large online platforms remain a heavy burden. Participants urged swift passage of online platform-related bills currently under discussion in the National Assembly and the establishment of systems that reflect industry realities.
In addition, while sharing recent cases of win-win agreements between gas stations and the refining industry, participants agreed on the need to expand win-win models across the distribution industry that can reduce the burden on small businesses and improve unfair transaction practices.
Chairperson Kim Jae-myeon said, "With the rapidly changing distribution environment and worsening macroeconomy, the management burden on small businesses has reached a tipping point," adding, "To establish a fair platform market order and spread a culture of win-win cooperation, the committee will do its best to make policy proposals."