The drone and UAM industries are next-generation transportation industries that converge aviation, batteries, and ICT .
FTAs play a key role in facilitating technology exchange, procurement market entry, and mutual recognition of safety certifications
. The global UAM market is expected to grow by an average of 12-15% annually (to approximately USD 18 billion) between 2025 and 2026, and
Korea is strengthening its technology and component export base through the Korea-EU, CEPA, and RCEP
. Key risks include aviation certification (EASA and FAA) mismatches , battery and communications regulations , and delays in airspace management legislation .
Risk factors | 2025-2026 Outlook | Influence (1~5) | Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation Safety Certification Regulations | FAA and EASA certification discrepancies persist | 5 | Utilization of technical provisions within CEPA is essential. |
| Battery and Power Safety Regulations | Differs from UN38.3 and IEC standards | 4 | International certification is required in parallel. |
| Telecommunications, satellite, and GPS regulations | Frequency management varies by country | 3 | Standardization of Digital Aviation Standards through DEPA and IPEF |
| Infrastructure and airspace management | Inadequate UAM takeoff and landing pads and control systems | 3 | The need for intergovernmental infrastructure cooperation |
| Parts supply chain | Dependence on overseas motors and sensors | 4 | Accumulated use of origin through RCEP and CEPA |
TA plays a practical role in facilitating trade in components, communications, and batteries for the drone and UAM industries , as well as
in opening procurement markets, mutual recognition of technology certification, and cooperation on standardization
. Provisions in the Korea-EU-CEPA and RCEP agreements for aviation, machinery, and electrical and electronic components are resulting in
tariff reductions and simplified certification
. The UAE and the EU are jointly pursuing UAM and drone pilot city projects.
field | FTA applicability | Major challenges | Management Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drone Parts (HS8806/8537) | CEPA·RCEP | Safety certification and aviation regulations | CE and FAA certifications in parallel |
| UAM airframe and module | CEPA·EUFTA | Difference in technical standards | EASA and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport are promoting joint standards. |
| Battery and power system | CEPA·RCEP | Hazardous Materials Regulations | Simultaneous application of UN38.3 and KC |
| Communication and navigation equipment | IPEF·DEPA | Frequency regulation | Establishing standards for satellite and data transfer |
Drone and UAM-related products are high-value-added industries with low tariffs, but
aviation safety, power, and communications certifications represent substantial non-tariff barriers.
Mutual recognition of certification (MRA) and expanded technology provisions through FTAs are key to export competitiveness.
market | Main items | MFN (basic rate) | When FTA is applied | non-tariff barriers | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU | UAM, sensors, and motors | 2~5% | 0% | EASA safety standards and GDPR | CE certification and procurement entry glass |
| UAE | Drone/control system | 5~10% | Phase-out through CEPA | Flight and communication regulations | Korea-UAE joint pilot project in progress |
| USA | eVTOL/Drone Parts | 0~3% | FTA low rate | FAA certification | Joint research and local production are advantageous. |
| Japan and ASEAN | Drone/control module | 3~8% | RCEP cumulative utilization | Communication/Standard Deviation | Local joint development is advantageous |
| India | Power modules and components | 5~12% | CEPA benefits | Import permit and customs procedures | Parallel local assembly and technology transfer |
The drone and UAM industries are evaluated as ESG-friendly industries due to their low-carbon mobility, but carbon emissions and LCA management in
batteries, materials, and production processes are being strengthened.
System/Issue | Core requirements | Influence (1~5) | react |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESG procurement | Low-carbon batteries and recycled materials | 4 | Supply chain management based on LCA and RE100 |
| CBAM | Impact on steel and aluminum parts | 3 | CBAM certification in parallel |
| SAF (UAM fuel) | Switch to eco-friendly fuel | 3 | Development of electric and hydrogen-based propulsion systems |
| Battery recycling | Strengthening EU battery regulations | 4 | Recycling Certification and ESG Reporting Obligations |
| RE100 | Mandatory use of renewable electricity in production facilities | 3 | Establishing a PPA·ESS procurement system |
Korea: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Hyundai, and Hanwha to promote K-UAM pilot cities (Seoul, Busan, and Jeju).
UAE: Korea-UAE CEPA-based joint demonstration project (Abu Dhabi, Dubai).
EU: Expanding EASA-based aviation certification and procurement access, paralleling CBAM regulations.
ASEAN: Expanding drone logistics and safety control infrastructure, establishing local production bases.
US: FAA-certified eVTOL commercialization, deepening US-ROK technological cooperation.
Combining AI news sentiment (α), global eVTOL investment indicators (β), and industrial sentiment (λ),
the drone and UAM industries are expected to maintain a gradual upward trend in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by the effects of the CEPA and RCEP agreements and increased global investment .
variable | Δ(%) or exponent | analysis |
|---|---|---|
| ΔExport_now | +3.0 | Increase in UAM airframe and sensor exports |
| ΔImport_now | +1.6 | Increase in motor and battery imports |
| ΔPrice_now | +0.5 | Reflecting raw material and electricity costs |
| ΔSignal_now | +0.039 | Positive investment sentiment and technology news |
| ΔFTAEffect | +0.37 | Cumulative effects of CEPA and RCEP |
| Forecast_3M | +0.60 | 3-month gradual rise forecast |
Formula (summary): Forecast_3M = 0.5·ΔSignal + 0.3·ΔFTAEffect + 0.2·ΔPrice
field | Suggestion | Executor | Expected effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation certification | EASA and FAA jointly promote MRA | Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy | Expanding access to international procurement markets |
| FTA technical provisions | New provisions for cooperation in UAM and drone technology | Trade Headquarters and Ministry of Science and Technology | Preemptive technology export and standardization |
| Battery regulation | Expanding recycling and RE100 incentives within CEPA | Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy | Ensuring sustainability |
| Infrastructure procurement | International bidding for UAM takeoff and landing pads and control systems approved | Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport·KOTRA | EPC export expansion |
| Human Resources and Safety | Standardization of UAM Pilot and Maintenance Certification System | Ministry of Employment and Labor and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport | Industrial expansion and job creation |
The drone and UAM industries can achieve growth based on technology exchange, procurement market entry, ESG, and RE100 through FTAs.
Forecast_3M: +0.60 — Reflecting the effects of CEPA and RCEP and global investment momentum.
Recommended strategies: ① Cumulative use of CEPA and RCEP ② Simultaneous response to EASA and FAA certification ③ Production transition based on RE100 and ESG ④ Expanding cooperation on global UAM demonstration cities.
