As global logistics disruptions from the Middle East war drag on, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, known as KOTRA, said it is stepping up real-time information sharing and cost support for exporters. The agency said it is focusing on easing sharply higher shipping costs driven by port disruptions and longer detours, while helping companies restore blocked routes quickly.
KOTRA said it is continuously monitoring logistics conditions through its 13 offices in the Middle East and providing companies with real-time updates on alternative ports and rerouted shipping options. With more cases of existing routes being cut off due to constraints in the Strait of Hormuz, KOTRA said it is working with local logistics firms to propose alternatives and is also handling urgent needs such as re-shipping cargo halted in transit and returning pharmaceuticals.
Logistics-related difficulties are rising quickly. Of 502 consultations tied to the Middle East war received from early March through April 20, 156 — 31% — involved logistics issues. KOTRA cited port waiting times, higher costs from detours and cargo returns as key factors.
KOTRA said it has expanded financial support, raising the cap for assistance through overseas joint logistics centers to as much as 24 million won and increasing the limit for international shipping vouchers to 75 million won. It also added eligible items including war-related surcharges, return costs and detour shipping expenses, and said it is coordinating transport support with EMS, DHL, Samsung SDS and Taewoong Logistics, among others.
A KOTRA official said freight-rate management is critical because costs can vary widely when using alternative ports, adding that companies should work with major logistics providers to minimize delays.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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