Veteran diplomats who had participated in past negotiations with the United States noted that there are both crisis and opportunity factors regarding the protectionist policies promoted by the recent Donald Trump administration, stating that "if Korea accurately understands the direction of U.S. policies and responds systematically, it will not be significantly disadvantaged."
Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who also serves as Minister of Strategy and Finance, held a luncheon meeting with trade experts concerning the U.S. on the 27th at the Government Seoul Building in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. Attending the meeting were former chief negotiators Kim Jong-hoon, Park Tae-ho, and Yoon Myung-hee, as well as former Vice Ministers Lim Sung-nam and Lee Tae-ho, who have past experience negotiating with the United States. Trade Negotiations Director Jeong In-kyu and First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong-kyun also attended.
Experts stated that "the ultimate goal of the new U.S. government is the revival of manufacturing, strengthening border security, and reducing defense costs," and that "to actively support this, it is pursuing a U.S.-first trade and investment policy."
Some participants noted that "in the recent series of tariff increases by the United States, Korea does not appear to be included among the major target countries," adding that "the broad use of tariffs could raise questions about sustainability, such as inflation within the U.S., which seems to suggest the background for adopting country-specific mutual tariff measures rather than universal tariffs."
There were many opinions during the meeting that, "considering President Trump's negotiation style, it may be more advisable to observe trends in major countries such as the EU rather than hastily entering into negotiations with the U.S. and to engage in negotiations at the right time."
It was also mentioned that "the government needs to thoroughly prepare a comprehensive trade package with corporations in advance," and that "when preparing the package, it is worth considering ways to expand cooperation beyond passive responses." Suggestions were also made regarding the need for preparedness, considering the U.S.'s interest in the digital sector.
Acting President Choi stated that, "given that the Trump administration is announcing and advancing trade policies more rapidly than during the first Trump term, we will thoroughly prepare to navigate the trade storms facing our economy, continuously communicating with experts who have rich experience in U.S. trade negotiations."