On Tuesday, December 26, officials in South Korea announced that, in response to the invasion of Ukraine, export controls against Russia and Belarus would be strengthened by significantly expanding the list of goods subject to export restrictions. This includes excavators, battery packs, and large vehicles, as reported by Yonhap.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy of South Korea added 682 more items related to heavy construction equipment, battery packs, aviation components, machinery, and others to the list of goods prohibited from being shipped to Russia and Belarus. 

The new regulation will raise the total number of items on the list to 1,159 from the current 798 items.

The changes are expected to take effect in early 2024 after the completion of necessary administrative procedures and the issuance of instructions to exporters by the government. The ministry stated that it will consider "exceptional cases" for exports to both countries on an individual basis.

This step was taken due to the high likelihood that these goods could be used for military purposes, although they are not classified as strategic goods under South Korea's export control scheme.