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Seoul inks agreement with Alberta to simplify origin certification for crude oil

Published: 21 Apr. 2026, 18:11

Oil pumpjacks operate in a farmer’s field near Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on Nov. 26, 2025. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Korea's customs agency said Tuesday it has signed a joint statement with the government of Alberta, Canada, to simplify the origin certification process for crude oil produced in the province.

The move is part of broader efforts by Seoul to tackle the oil shortage triggered by the Iran war.

The statement signed between Korea Customs Service Commissioner Lee Myeong-ku and Alberta's premier, Danielle Smith, in Canada on Monday is expected to effectively remove a 3 percent tariff on crude oil imports from the energy-rich province, the agency said.

Oil exporters from Alberta had difficulty receiving preferential treatment when shipping their product to Korea despite an existing free trade agreement with Seoul due to structural difficulties in proving their product's country of origin, the agency said.

As Canadian crude is usually shipped through the Pacific route to Korea, the agency expected the agreement to help reduce oil prices, diversify the country's energy sources and contribute to strengthening the nation's energy security.

Yonhap