Minister Ahn Duk-geun of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said on the 22nd ahead of the '2+2 trade consultation,' "As the industries of the two countries are closely linked, we will consult in a way that can achieve a win-win outcome rather than imposing tariffs."
Minister Ahn will participate in the 2+2 trade consultation with Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok in Washington, D.C., on the morning of the 24th (local time). From the U.S. side, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai will participate.
Minister Ahn is also expected to hold individual consultations with Representative Tai. Minister Ahn will assess the U.S. side's interests, focusing on trade balance, shipbuilding cooperation, and energy.
He will also discuss the country-specific tariffs (basic + mutual tariff) that the U.S. is currently imposing or plans to impose on South Korea, as well as exceptions and reductions for item-specific tariffs such as those on automobiles and steel.
Minister Ahn noted, "I will conduct calm and serious consultations under the principle of prioritizing national interests," adding, "We will do our best to find mutually beneficial cooperation measures with the U.S. side."