KOTRA Launches 'Tailored Support System' in Response to Middle East War... Real-Time Logistics Updates Provided

Alternative Ports and Detour Routes Provided to Alleviate Difficulties
Support for Overseas Joint Logistics Centers Doubled
Local Logistics Cost Support and Voucher Users Eligible for Overlapping Benefits

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) is strengthening its guidance on alternative ports and detour routes as navigation restrictions continue in the Strait of Hormuz due to the Middle East war. At the same time, KOTRA is expanding its Overseas Joint Logistics Center program to support local logistics costs, focusing on alleviating logistical difficulties for companies.

According to KOTRA on April 22, a total of 502 consultations were received at the Emergency Response Desk for Middle East War-related Difficulties from March 3 to April 20. Among these, 156 cases (31%) were related to logistics issues. The main cases cited were increased logistics costs due to port waiting times and the use of detour routes, costs incurred from returning cargo or locally storing goods at the request of buyers, and cargo processing delays due to insufficient local logistics information.

KOTRA updates the operational status of 24 ports in the Middle East daily, based on local logistics information obtained from its overseas trade offices in the region. In collaboration with local partner logistics companies, KOTRA also provides real-time alternative routes tailored to each company's situation. The agency explained that this support enables companies with urgent exports or cargo awaiting clearance to review port and route information and choose optimal logistics alternatives.

A local KOTRA official noted that, given the significant fluctuations in costs when using alternative ports, it is necessary to determine reasonable logistics expenses through itemized verification and prior consultation. The official also recommended using major shipping lines and logistics companies to reduce unloading delays.

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) collects local logistics information from trade offices in the Middle East and updates the operational status of 24 Middle Eastern ports daily. In collaboration with local logistics partners, KOTRA provides real-time alternative route suggestions that can be utilized by Korean companies. Status of major port facilities in the GCC region. KOTRA.

KOTRA has also expanded support for Overseas Joint Logistics Centers using the supplementary budget. The support amount per company has been doubled from the previous level, allowing up to 24 million won in local logistics costs to be covered. Companies with export records to 22 Middle Eastern countries from 2025 to February 2026 can apply to up to three trade offices.

The Overseas Joint Logistics Center program supports costs incurred after arrival at local ports, including warehouse storage fees, customs clearance fees, and inland transportation costs. With the increasing demand for overland transport due to the use of alternative ports, this is expected to provide practical help. The scope of support has been expanded beyond the Middle East to worldwide, and applications are open until April 26.

In addition, applications for the third round of the Emergency Support Voucher program are also being accepted until April 26. New support items have been introduced, including logistics return costs, war risk surcharges, local detention fees, and detour transportation costs to alternative destinations. The upper limit for international transportation support has been raised from 60 million won to 75 million won.

Companies already using the existing export vouchers can also utilize the Overseas Joint Logistics Centers. International transportation costs can be covered by the Emergency Support Voucher, while costs incurred after arrival, such as inland transportation, can be supported through the Joint Logistics Centers. In addition, KOTRA’s export logistics cooperation network offers discounts and quotation services.

Kang Sangyeob, Executive Vice President of KOTRA, said, "To support our export companies facing the greatest difficulties in logistics due to the Middle East war, we are providing both information and financial support," adding, "We will minimize logistical challenges through support that companies can truly feel."

Related information can be found on the KOTRA Trade-Investment 24 website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.