Japan did not retract export restrictions on three critical industrial materials imposed on South Korea in a row over wartime forced labor as the end of the latter's May deadline lapsed.
Consequently, South Korea may resume its complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) that it suspended in November.
The WTO can open up a panel to look further into the case when the two sides fail to reach an agreement.
Japan imposed the export curbs as well as removed South Korea from its list of trusted partners after the latter's Supreme Court ordered Japanese firms to compensate Koreans forced into hard labor during the latter's colonization from 1910-45.
However, experts say it's unlikely that South Korea would withdraw from the military information-sharing pact with Japan dubbed GSOMIA (General Security of Military Information Agreement), as it caused criticism and a strong objection from the United States.
A South Korean trade ministry official said they have been opening dialogue channels and will first analyze Japan's response before making further decisions.


IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains




