Kim Yong-beom (right), Chief Policy Officer of the Presidential Office, makes a statement before departing for Washington D.C. from Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport on the 16th. On the left is Kim Jong-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy. – Yonhap News
Chief Policy Officer Kim Yong-beom stated on the 16th regarding the Korea-US tariff negotiations, “I am viewing it positively.”
On this day, Chief Kim boarded a flight to the U.S. with Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Kim Jong-kwan for follow-up discussions on Korea-US tariff negotiations.
Just before departure, Chief Kim met with reporters and said, “Given the current IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, and as a precursor to the Korea-US Summit at APEC, it is an appropriate time. We decided to gather multiple discussion threads into one, align our positions, and accelerate negotiations, which is why I will be going with Minister Kim.”
He mentioned, “I am viewing the negotiation prospects positively,” and added, “Previously, the related departments in the U.S. did not seem to communicate closely, but this time, the Treasury, USTR, and Commerce Department are showing close communication.”
Regarding the Korea-US currency swap and other negotiation issues, Minister Kim added, “I can say that the misunderstandings, gaps, and differences in understanding related to the foreign exchange market with the U.S. side have narrowed significantly.”
Regarding President Donald Trump’s statement on the ‘$350 billion upfront investment commitment,’ Kim stated, “It is not appropriate to comment on a statement made by a foreign leader,” but explained, “It is one part of ongoing discussions on the negotiation table.”
As for the possibility of finalizing the tariff negotiations during the APEC summit, Minister Kim emphasized, “There is a consensus to utilize the meeting opportunities between the two leaders, but it is much more important to proceed in a way that aligns with national interests and public understanding.”