Washington, April 25 (HS): South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, along with Trade, Industry, and Energy Minister Ahn Duk-geun, have arrived in Washington, D.C. to discuss tariffs. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy of South Korea stated on Friday that a request has been made for exemptions from the U.S.'s reciprocal and region-specific tariff measures. South Korea has agreed to wait until July on this issue.

According to a Reports, both ministers engaged in trade discussions with U.S. finance and trade officials in Washington. During these talks, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Basset and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamison Greer discussed trade consultations following the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the Trump administration. In a press conference after the talks, Choi expressed that they are eager to cooperate in key areas of interest to the U.S. such as trade, investment, shipbuilding, and energy. He mentioned that U.S. tariffs could negatively affect economic cooperation between the two countries and are particularly disappointing for the automotive sector.

Choi stated that they made it clear that there is a need for calm and orderly discussions. He referred to the leadership transition following the ousting of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and to the upcoming presidential election on June 3. Both parties agreed that South Korea would prepare a July package for tariff removal before July 8. Choi noted that discussions also covered tariffs and non-tariff measures, economic security, investment cooperation, and foreign exchange policy during this period.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar