South Korea is moving fast to get out from under Washington’s sweeping new tariff regime. On Thursday, acting President Han Duck-soo said his government would press forward with talks to ease U.S. trade duties, calling the burden unsustainable.
The remarks, reported by Yonhap, come just a day before a 25% tariff on South Korean goods is due to take effect under President Donald Trump’s global tariff programme.
Seoul is walking a fine line, trying to protect its export-driven economy while staying in Washington’s good graces. South Korea has not retaliated with countertariffs, instead opting for diplomacy and trade incentives.
Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo has already travelled to Washington, where he’s expected to meet U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Ahead of his departure, Cheong hinted that Seoul is considering new import packages from the U.S., including liquefied natural gas, to help rebalance trade.
The Trump administration has said it is prioritising allies such as South Korea and Japan in its country-specific negotiations. Still, the clock is ticking, talks are happening under the shadow of rising costs and pressure on key sectors like semiconductors, cars and shipbuilding.
Read next
17:30
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Friday that early signs ahead of this weekend’s U.S.-China trade talks in Switzerland appear positive, with both sides showing mutual respect and a constructive tone.
17:10
world news
A new U.S.-supported initiative to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza is expected to start operating shortly, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Friday, though specific details are yet to be made public.
16:45
US tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
16:00
central asia
Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a series of trade and transit agreements during a high-level business forum in Karachi, paving the way for expanded commercial cooperation and long-term logistics development between the two countries.
15:30
world news
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment