Dual-Use Export Controls to be Focus of New U.S.-Korea Working Group

The Bureau of Industry and Security announced Nov. 8 the launch of the U.S.-Korea Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue Dual-use Export Controls Group.

The U.S. recently imposed tighter controls on exports to China and will likely use this working group to advance its stated intent to persuade allied countries to take similar measures. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Thea Rozman Kendler said as much in stating that “BIS is committed to aggressively using export controls to protect U.S. national security and believes fully that a multilateral and cooperative approach to export controls yields the most effective results.”

According to BIS, the new working group is tasked with “identifying specific actions that both parties will aim to consider in order to advance export controls cooperation, with a view to enhancing international security and simultaneously ensuring a level playing field.” In particular, it will work to achieve the following objectives the two countries outlined earlier this year.

– ensuring that export controls are consistent with the promotion of bilateral trade and the stability of the global supply chain in the field of advanced manufacturing

– promoting convergent export control approaches addressing new security challenges

– ensuring efficient stakeholder engagement and supporting the development and implementation of effective export control approaches

For more information on export controls, please contact attorney Kristine Pirnia at (202) 730-4964 or via email.