South Korea and China Discuss Supply Chain Stability Amid Global Trade Uncertainties

South Korea and China held a bilateral meeting on supply chains to explore ways to bolster stability in the region, amidst growing global trade uncertainties. The third round of the supply chain hotline meeting was convened in Seoul, where the two countries discussed Beijing's export control measures and ways to maintain supply chain stability. The meeting also touched on the hosting of a policy briefing session by the Chinese government to create a stable and predictable business environment for Korean firms operating in China.

Key Takeaways:

• The third round of the supply chain hotline meeting between South Korea and China was held in Seoul, where high-level officials discussed Beijing's export control measures and ways to maintain supply chain stability.
• Seoul requested Beijing's support for Korean companies importing key materials from China, amid growing instability in global supply chains.
• The two sides discussed the possible hosting of a policy briefing session by the Chinese government in the second half of 2023, aimed at creating a stable and predictable business environment for Korean firms operating in China.
• China has imposed export curbs on critical minerals such as gallium, graphite, tungsten, and rare earth minerals, amidst trade tensions with the United States.
• The supply chain hotline meeting was first held in 2023, followed by the second round of the meeting in the eastern Chinese city of Yancheng in November 2023.
• The two countries convened the third round of the bilateral hotline meeting on supply chains, demonstrating a continued commitment to addressing global trade uncertainties.

Statistics:

• The supply chain hotline meeting was first held in 2023.
• The second round of the meeting took place in the eastern Chinese city of Yancheng in November 2023.
• China has imposed export curbs on critical minerals such as gallium, graphite, tungsten, and rare earth minerals.
• The two sides discussed the possible hosting of a policy briefing session by the Chinese government in the second half of 2023.
• The meeting was convened by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea.

Sources:

• Yonhap News Agency (03 Jul 2025)