South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), led by Minister Han Sung-sook, held a policy meeting on March 6, 2026, to assess the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including industry associations and financial institutions, to review export disruptions and discuss tailored support measures. The primary focus was on export SMEs facing challenges such as transport delays, increased logistics costs, and payment issues. The government aims to provide immediate relief and ensure business continuity for affected companies.
The policy targets SMEs exporting to Middle Eastern countries, with 80 companies reporting issues since February 28, 2026. Of these, 64 cases involved significant difficulties, including transport disruptions (71%), unpaid receivables (38.7%), rising logistics costs (29%), and business trip complications (16.1%). The closure of airspace and the Hormuz Strait, cancellations by Middle Eastern buyers, and increased export insurance costs have exacerbated these problems. The government is also concerned about the potential for prolonged disruptions and difficulties in maintaining buyer communications.
To address these challenges, South Korea is introducing an ’emergency logistics voucher’ specifically for SMEs affected by Middle East transport disruptions. This voucher increases logistics cost limits and uses a fast-track process for rapid support. Existing measures, such as export vouchers and emergency management stabilization funds, will continue alongside the new program. If the crisis persists, the government plans to help SMEs identify alternative export markets through strategic consortiums and support for trade fairs and consultations. Additionally, special loan maturity extensions will be offered in March to SMEs facing high exchange rates and increased import costs, particularly those with a high proportion of imported raw materials.
Frequently asked questions include: What support is available for SMEs facing export disruptions? The government offers emergency logistics vouchers, export vouchers, and special loan maturity extensions. How quickly can affected SMEs access these programs? The emergency logistics voucher uses a fast-track process for rapid assistance, and special loan extensions will be implemented within March 2026. These measures are designed to address immediate needs and support long-term business stability for SMEs impacted by the Middle East crisis.
Metaqsol opinion: South Korea’s policy response is timely and well-targeted, focusing on the most pressing needs of SMEs affected by Middle East export disruptions. The introduction of emergency logistics vouchers and special loan maturity extensions reflects a commitment to rapid relief and business continuity. The government’s emphasis on strategic market diversification and ongoing monitoring further supports SME resilience. These measures are grounded in stakeholder feedback and real-time data, enhancing their effectiveness.