(CLO) South Korean officials have requested an exemption from reciprocal tariffs on US steel and aluminum during a visit to Washington this week, according to a statement from the South Korean Ministry of Industry on Friday (February 21).
Vice Minister Park Jong-won, who led the first South Korean government delegation to Washington since US President Donald Trump announced the wide-ranging tariffs, argued that nearly all tariffs between the two countries had been eliminated under the bilateral free trade agreement.
Containers at the seaport. Illustration photo: AI
As one of the world's largest exporters and a key trading partner of the United States, South Korea has grown increasingly concerned about the Trump administration's tariff measures.
Mr. Park highlighted Korean businesses' investments in the United States and proposed holding high-level meetings with the Trump administration to discuss trade cooperation.
He also met with members of the US Congress , stressing the importance of maintaining incentives for Korean businesses operating in the US.
Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok said last week that the country has invested more than any other country in the United States over the past two years, which will give South Korea an advantage in negotiating with the Trump administration over tariffs.
“Given their important role in supporting US economic objectives, we believe South Korea and Japan are in a strong position to seek tariff exemptions,” economists at Standard Chartered said, noting that South Korea would contribute more than 20,000 jobs to the US in 2023, more than any other country.
Seoul's response to the Trump administration's moves has been complicated by a domestic political crisis, with President Yoon Suk Yeol temporarily declaring martial law in December.
Mr. Choi, who took over the country after both President Yoon and the Prime Minister were impeached, has yet to have a direct conversation with President Trump.
The Trump administration has adopted a tough tariff policy to protect domestic industries, but this has caused tensions with important allies such as South Korea and Japan.
Cao Phong (according to KRT, Yonhap, CNA)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/han-quoc-tim-kiem-mien-tru-thue-quan-tu-chinh-quyen-my-post335464.html
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