Korean Importers Seek New Supply Channels in Türkiye and France
A Korea Importers Association delegation is pursuing new suppliers and more resilient trade links in Türkiye and France, with talks spanning food, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and industrial materials.
South Korean importers are stepping up efforts to diversify overseas suppliers through a trade mission to Türkiye and France, seeking more stable access to goods and raw materials used by Korean businesses.
The Korea Importers Association said it sent a delegation to Istanbul and Paris for a seven-day visit running from Oct. 14 through Oct. 20. The trip is intended to widen import channels and help domestic companies build supply chains that are less dependent on a narrow set of markets.
The initiative covers a broad range of products, including food and agricultural goods, consumer products, pharmaceuticals and industrial materials. It was organized with support from South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Istanbul office of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.
In Istanbul, the association held one-on-one import consultations with the Istanbul Exporters Association on Oct. 15. Korean participants explored potential suppliers and business partnerships in consumer goods, medicine, agriculture and industry. The discussions produced a contract in the agricultural products sector, although the association did not disclose its value or the goods involved.
The delegation also visited the Turkish Exporters Assembly and met Vice Chairman Ahmet Oksuz to discuss expanding bilateral trade and business cooperation. Members then attended a local trade exhibition, where they reviewed developments in packaging and biotechnology and met companies offering potential products and supplies.
The next stage of the mission takes the group to France for SIAL Paris 2026, a major international food exhibition. Participation in the event gives Korean importers an opportunity to compare suppliers, identify new products and establish contacts beyond their existing networks.
The association said it plans to continue organizing overseas import missions and participating in international trade shows. Its stated goal is to secure reliable supplies of raw materials needed by Korean industries as well as agricultural, livestock and consumer products.
Association Chair Yoon Young-mi said the organization would help Korean companies identify overseas suppliers and expand international business exchanges. The mission reflects a wider focus among Korean trade groups on resilience: diversifying sourcing can reduce exposure to disruptions in any single country or transport route, while also increasing competition among suppliers.
The commercial impact will depend on whether the consultations lead to additional contracts and sustained purchasing relationships. For now, the agricultural agreement and the planned meetings in Paris mark initial steps in broadening Korea’s import options across Europe and nearby markets.