Applications open through Nov. 16; selections to wrap up in mid-December

Revised economic security items reflected; support for import diversification, production base expansion

The Ministry of Economy and Finance building at Government Complex Sejong [Yonhap]
The Ministry of Economy and Finance building at Government Complex Sejong [Yonhap]

The government will designate companies working to diversify import sources and expand domestic and overseas production bases as supply chain stabilization leaders, offering them priority access to stabilization funds and preferential interest rates. Applications will be accepted from Thursday through Nov. 16.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced Wednesday that it is launching, jointly with related ministries, the selection process for second-half 2026 supply chain stabilization leaders. The government plans to complete the selection by mid-December.

Supply chain stabilization leaders are companies or business associations that have submitted and received approval for a supply chain stabilization plan — covering the introduction, production or provision of economic security items and services — from their relevant ministry, under the Framework Act on Supply Chain Stabilization for Economic Security. Since the law took effect in June 2024, a total of 216 companies and organizations have been designated, with each designation lasting three years from the initial selection date.

This round of selection will incorporate the revised economic security items and services framework discussed by the Supply Chain Stabilization Committee on Monday. Companies will be selected from among those targeting the revised economic security items and services and contributing to supply chain stability through import source diversification, expansion of domestic and overseas production bases, development of import-substitution technology, and stockpile expansion.

Companies or business associations wishing to apply must submit a "supply chain stabilization plan" to their relevant ministry for review. The plan must cover the nature of the project, its relationship to economic security items and services, a roadmap for supply chain stabilization measures such as import diversification, and the applicant's financial condition and implementation capacity.

Selected leaders will receive benefits including priority access to supply chain stabilization funds and preferential interest rates. The government said it aims to encourage private-sector participation in supply chain stabilization through the designation program.

"To address structural vulnerabilities in supply chains, it is essential for companies to make concrete efforts to secure supply foundations — including diversifying import sources and expanding production bases," said Lee Seung-wook, the ministry's director general for economic supply chain planning. "We will identify leaders that contribute to the stable supply of economic security items and services, and maintain close communication with businesses."


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