Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo noted on the 24th, ahead of the 'Korea-U.S. 2+2 trade talks,' that "we must begin negotiations as quickly as possible and secure sufficient time for discussions to maximize national interests within the grace period."
Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo delivered a budget speech regarding the '2025 first supplementary budget' in the National Assembly's plenary session that morning, stating, "Even at this very moment, dozens of countries around the world are fiercely competing to pursue tariff negotiations with the United States."
Han noted, "Currently, our Republic of Korea is facing significant challenges, and the global economic environment is changing so rapidly due to unprecedented tariff policies from the United States that it is difficult to predict even a moment ahead."
He expressed concern, saying, "The U.S. tariff measures on items such as steel, aluminum, and automobiles, along with the introduction of basic tariffs and reciprocal tariffs, will bring considerable burdens to our industries and corporations."
He added that the government will actively respond to trade issues with the United States, including the operation of a joint public-private economic security strategy task force.
Han said, "We are seeking and implementing measures to maintain the competitiveness of our key export industries, such as support measures for the steel and aluminum industries and emergency support measures for the automotive industry," adding that "we have prepared for negotiations while closely communicating with the U.S. through various channels."
On that night, South Korea plans to hold 2+2 trade discussions in Washington, D.C., with Vice Minister Choi Sang-mok of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Minister Ahn Duk-geun of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy meeting with the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
Han emphasized, "The government will do its utmost to seek mutually beneficial agreements between the two countries, focusing on trade balance, shipbuilding, and liquefied natural gas (LNG), under the principle that national interests are the top priority."