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Acting President Han Duck-soo confirmed that President Trump has directed his administration to begin immediate tariff talks with South Korea, Japan, and India.
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The U.S. announced a 90-day pause on implementing reciprocal tariffs, including a proposed 25% tariff on South Korean imports.
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A South Korea–U.S. negotiation system is being formed, with early discussions expected to cover all sectors and include LNG cooperation projects.
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Business leaders requested tariff exemptions on equipment imports supporting Korean companies’ U.S. manufacturing expansions.
South Korea’s Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed his administration to begin immediate tariff negotiations with South Korea, Japan, and India, following a productive phone conversation between the two leaders last week, according to Yonhap News Agency.
During a meeting with key government officials and top business executives, Han said,
“We discussed how to proceed with the implementation of the U.S.’s reciprocal tariffs and which areas require negotiation between South Korea and the U.S. President Trump seemed very satisfied and gave instructions to proceed quickly with talks.”
This development aligns with the broader U.S. strategy to prioritize fair and mutually beneficial trade relationships with close allies.
Following the leaders’ phone call, President Trump announced a 90-day postponement of the planned reciprocal tariffs—including a proposed 25% tariff on South Korean goods—demonstrating a commitment to resolving issues through dialogue.
Expanding Cooperation: LNG Project and Broad Trade Discussions
Han emphasized that both countries are preparing to establish a comprehensive negotiation system across all trade sectors, with initial discussions expected to begin via videoconference within the next one or two days.
One key area of cooperation is a potential liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Alaska, highlighted by President Trump during their call. The project aims to construct a pipeline from Alaska’s North Slope to its southern coast, facilitating LNG exports to Asia, including South Korea.
“I believe President Trump agreed with our determination to conduct faithful and mutually beneficial negotiations,” said Han, adding that he is ready to communicate directly with the U.S. president again if needed to achieve a favorable outcome.
To advance these discussions, a negotiating team led by Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun is set to visit the U.S. in the near future.
Industry Leaders Seek Tariff Exemptions for U.S. Investments
At the meeting, business leaders emphasized the importance of tariff exemptions for equipment imported into the U.S. as part of Korean companies’ plans to establish or expand manufacturing operations.
Among the senior executives present were Kim Won-kyong, President of Samsung Electronics, and Kim Dong-wook, Vice President of Hyundai Motors. Both highlighted the value of a collaborative trade environment that supports economic growth and job creation in both countries.
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Source: Yonhap News Agency
