South Korea pushes to ease U.S. tariffs in fresh talks

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.

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