Yeo Han-gu, the Head of Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, is headed to the United States for follow-up discussions on the South Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations. On the morning of the 15th, at Incheon International Airport, Yeo spoke with reporters before departing, stating, “We are doing our best to reach a negotiation outcome that is in line with our national interest and is rational.”
In July, the United States agreed to reduce national and automobile tariffs on South Korea to 15% and promised most-favored-nation treatment on tariffs for items such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. In response, South Korea proposed a financial package totaling $350 billion for the U.S.
However, specific discussions have not yet been concluded. Kim Jeong-kwan, the Minister of Industry, visited the U.S. from the 11th to the 14th for follow-up talks on the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations with Howard Rutnick from the U.S. Department of Commerce but reportedly returned without achieving significant results.
Yeo further commented, “Overall, you can see this as a process of arduous negotiation to achieve a balanced and fair outcome. We are making every effort to achieve results that best align with our national interests.”