{"id":2203953,"date":"2024-02-26T08:00:22","date_gmt":"2024-02-25T23:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2203953"},"modified":"2024-02-25T23:28:16","modified_gmt":"2024-02-25T14:28:16","slug":"south-korea-boosts-defense-exports-amid-escalating-global-tensions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/02\/south-korea-boosts-defense-exports-amid-escalating-global-tensions\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea boosts defense exports amid escalating global tensions"},"content":{"rendered":"
The South Korean National Assembly\u2019s Planning and Finance Committee <\/span>approved<\/span><\/a> on Friday an amendment to increase the Export-Import Bank of Korea\u2019s (Korea Eximbank) legal capital limit from $11.3 billion (<\/span>15 trillion won<\/span><\/a>) to $18.8 billion (25 trillion won). This move aims to bolster the country\u2019s defense industry by alleviating financial constraints on exporting companies, especially securing large-scale defense contracts.<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, the committee passed a state guarantee for Supply Chain Stabilization Fund Bonds, set to be issued by Korea Eximbank, with an issuance limit of $3.8 billion (5 trillion won). These measures are intended to strengthen economic security and supply chain stabilization, with funds earmarked for critical economic security items and emergency support for companies affected by supply chain disruptions.<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n The decision to increase Korea Eximbank\u2019s capital limit aims to directly support South Korea\u2019s defense exports, as seen with the significant arms deals with <\/span>Poland<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Saudi Arabia<\/span><\/a>. This financial boost is crucial for facilitating large-scale contracts, such as the one with Poland, where funding shortfalls previously <\/span>threatened the deal\u2019s viability<\/span><\/a>, and for enabling new agreements, like the missile sale to Saudi Arabia, that require substantial upfront investment.<\/span><\/p>\n However, increasing Korea Eximbank\u2019s capital limit does not shield ROK defense industries from risks. The situation with Poland, where a <\/span>change in government<\/span><\/a> cast uncertainty over previously agreed contracts, illustrates how quickly geopolitical shifts can impact such deals. Expanding South Korea\u2019s arms sales to the Middle East, particularly surface-to-air missiles, also has the potential to strain ties with Washington, which might begin to perceive the ROK as a strategic competitor.<\/span><\/p>\n