Demand-driven briefings connect firms with overseas buyers

Export novices show strong appetite for market-entry support

Successful exporters to receive logistics cost support at overseas shared warehouses

KOTRA's Yangjae headquarters. [KOTRA]
KOTRA's Yangjae headquarters. [KOTRA]

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency announced Tuesday it will run the "2026 First Step to Exports" program to help 300 domestic-focused and export-novice companies make their first overseas sale. The agency said it will provide tailored support based on each firm's specific export challenges and target markets.

KOTRA said it began assessing participants' export difficulties and preferred markets at the application stage. It will work with partner agencies to supply the information companies need to prepare for exports, and will connect firms seeking overseas clients with buyers in their target markets.

A KOTRA survey of applicant companies conducted in September found that domestic-focused firms cited difficulties with basic export procedures — such as customs clearance and obtaining overseas certifications — as their top concern, accounting for 23.6 percent of all responses. Among export-novice firms, more than 30 percent said they needed support with promotional activities such as finding overseas sales channels. The results highlight that the support companies need varies depending on their level of export experience.

Based on those findings, KOTRA held an online export support briefing on Oct. 14. Seoul Main Customs Office explained how to resolve common difficulties with customs clearance and other basic procedures, while the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR) outlined overseas certification processes and available support programs. Export-novice firms were also introduced to KOTRA's "Export 24" platform as a tool for identifying overseas buyers and opening new sales channels.

A representative of one participating company said the firm had struggled with even the most basic procedures — customs clearance and certification — when first preparing to export. "Through this briefing, we were able to systematically understand the export process and requirements, and get a clear sense of what we need to prepare going forward," the representative said.

The United States, Japan and Vietnam were the top three markets that applicant companies most wanted to enter. Focusing on those markets, KOTRA will source overseas buyers and provide one-on-one video export consultations to the 300 selected firms over three weeks from Monday through Nov. 13. Companies that secure export deals through the consultations will also be eligible for local logistics cost support through KOTRA's overseas shared distribution centers, and the agency said it will strengthen follow-up assistance to help initial transactions grow into sustained export relationships.

KOTRA President Kang Gyeong-seong said small regional businesses often have their owners handling multiple roles — from personnel and procurement to logistics and sales — making it difficult to find the time and staff needed to enter overseas markets. "We will reduce the burden on these companies and work alongside them every step of the way — from export preparation and finding overseas buyers to closing that first deal — to help them achieve real export results," he said.


eyre@heraldcorp.com