Synopsis
South Korea's Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun is likely to visit the U.S. next week to negotiate on reciprocal tariffs. This visit aims to seek an exemption from U.S. tariffs, including a 25% levy imposed on South Korea.Key Takeaways
- Ahn Duk-geun to visit the U.S. for tariff negotiations.
- Focus on easing the 25% reciprocal tariff.
- Discussions to address non-tariff barriers.
- U.S. President Trump prioritizes talks with South Korea.
- Negotiation team led by Ahn organized by acting President Han Duck-soo.
Seoul, April 14 (NationPress) Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun may travel to the United States as soon as next week to engage in discussions with Washington regarding its reciprocal tariffs, according to a government source on Monday.
Ahn's anticipated visit is part of Seoul's efforts to secure an exemption from the U.S.' global tariffs, which include a 25 percent levy on South Korea that was momentarily suspended last week by the Trump administration for 90 days, excluding China, reports Yonhap news agency.
"The schedule might be adjusted depending on coordination, but a trip to the U.S. could occur as early as next week," the official informed Yonhap News Agency.
Earlier on Monday, acting President Han Duck-soo announced that the government would assemble a negotiation team led by Ahn to expedite discussions with U.S. officials.
Ahn's previous trips to the U.S. in February and March involved meetings with crucial figures, such as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, to discuss industrial collaboration in areas like shipbuilding.
This upcoming trip is expected to concentrate on urging U.S. officials to alleviate or exempt South Korea from the reciprocal tariffs while addressing non-tariff barriers that have raised concerns in Washington.
In the meantime, Acting President Han Duck-soo stated that U.S. President Donald Trump has "apparently" directed his administration to initiate immediate tariff discussions with South Korea, Japan, and India. Han made this comment during a meeting with government representatives and major business leaders, referencing Trump's recent phone call.
"We deliberated on our plans regarding the implementation of the U.S.' reciprocal tariffs and the topics for negotiation between South Korea and the U.S.," the acting president remarked.
"President Trump expressed great satisfaction and seemingly instructed his aides to proceed with immediate talks with South Korea, Japan, and India," he added.
The foundation of Han's statement remains unclear; however, on the same day of Han and Trump's phone conversation, Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, mentioned to Fox News that Trump "obviously prioritizes our closest allies and trading partners, Japan and Korea" in tariff negotiations.
