South Korea plans to establish a national industrial supply chain carbon data platform as early as 2026. (Image courtesy of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy)
SEOUL, Jul. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – In a significant move to address climate change and bolster its export competitiveness, South Korea plans to establish a national industrial supply chain carbon data platform as early as 2026. This public-private initiative aims to facilitate the exchange of carbon data between companies linked through supply chains.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced this strategy on July 25 at the launch meeting of the “Industrial Supply Chain Carbon Neutrality Alliance” in Seoul. The event brought together key figures including Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Chey Tae-won, and representatives from 11 major industry associations.
Ahn emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, “Carbon regulations are being used not only for climate response but also as a means of trade protection. If we fail to properly respond to carbon regulations from major countries, there are concerns about export disruptions.”
The proposed platform will take the form of a “data space,” ensuring that individual companies maintain sovereignty over their proprietary data. Unlike traditional cloud storage methods, this approach aims to protect trade secrets by acting solely as a conduit for data exchange rather than a central repository.
Initially, the platform will focus on connecting carbon data from five key sectors: batteries, automobiles, home appliances, steel and aluminum, and textiles. The ministry plans to eventually expand this to encompass data from all industries.
Drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in the EU and Japan, such as Gaia-X and Catena-X, the South Korean government will begin a study in September to develop guidelines for the platform’s construction. The full-scale implementation is scheduled for 2026-2027.
In addition to the data platform, the ministry outlined plans to support carbon emission calculations and reductions across supply chains. This includes targeted assistance for export-oriented business groups, expansion of basic carbon emission data, and increased financial support for carbon-intensive industries transitioning to carbon neutrality.
The initiative comes as major economies, particularly the EU, introduce various global carbon regulations based on supply chains. These include the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), battery regulations, and ESG disclosure requirements, all set to be implemented within the next one to three years.
For South Korea, whose economy relies heavily on manufacturing and exports, timely adaptation to these global trends is crucial. The formation of this public-private alliance represents a proactive step towards maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly carbon-conscious global market.
As Chey noted, “We must not overlook the fact that if we fail to properly respond to carbon neutrality, it will become a major obstacle in exporting to key overseas markets such as the EU and the U.S.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
