European automotive industry calls for action on South Korean market access barriers

On the eve of Friday’s EU-South Korea summit, the European automotive industry calls for more to be done to dismantle barriers to trade in South Korea.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) and European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers' Association (ETRMA) have raised concerns about restricted access to the South Korean market due to previously-existing and newly-emerging non-tariff barriers.

ACEA, CLEPA and ETRMA acknowledge the European Commission's efforts to ensure a better environment for the EU automotive industry in South Korea since the trade deal between the two regions came into force on 1 July 2011.

However, the three associations call upon the European Commission and EU member states to now take urgent steps to ensure trade barriers are dismantled. This is essential to ensure that free trade for the European automotive industry can indeed become a reality in South Korea.