Seoul: The Korea Trade Insurance Corp. (K-SURE) will provide an all-time high of 275 trillion won (US$192 billion) in trade insurance this year to help South Korean companies navigate through export uncertainties stemming from the rise of global trade protectionism, the company's president said Wednesday. Of the total, 114 trillion won will be set aside for small and medium-sized firms, marking the highest-ever allocation for this sector, according to K-SURE President Jang Young-jin.
According to Yonhap News Agency, K-SURE will also make efforts to help Korean companies secure investment opportunities in the United States. This initiative aligns with Seoul's anticipated increase in investment in the U.S. under a tariff deal between the two countries. For companies exporting to emerging economies, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Latin America, K-SURE will offer 66 trillion won in trade insurance this year, up from 62 trillion won in 2025. This measure aims to diversify the country's export markets.
Additionally, K-SURE plans to devise measures to support the growth of strategic industries, including defense, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. Jang highlighted the persisting uncertainties in the domestic and global trade environment, citing continued tensions between the U.S. and China, the spread of protectionism, and the reorganization of global supply chains. Following last year's record high trade insurance support, which contributed to South Korea achieving yearly exports of over $700 billion, K-SURE aims to ensure steady growth of the country's exports this year.