South Korea’s Trade Minister, Yeo Han-koo, has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to reduce tariffs on Korean exports, including automobiles, steel, and other goods. Yeo made the appeal during a high-level meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, D.C., on Monday.
According to a report by Yonhap news agency on Tuesday, which cited the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the discussions focused on key trade concerns and the future of industrial collaboration between the two allies.
During the talks, Yeo underscored Seoul’s determination to deepen manufacturing cooperation with the United States and urged the Trump administration to offer “favourable treatment” to Korean firms currently bearing the brunt of U.S. tariffs.
The appeal comes as the Trump administration prepares to impose a 25 per cent tariff on certain imports from South Korea and Japan starting August 1. With just three weeks left, South Korea is racing to secure exemptions or reductions, seeking a broader agreement that could bolster both trade and industrial relations.
In a related engagement, Yeo also met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on July 5 to propose a framework for mutually beneficial cooperation.
