US Deputy Trade Representative Visiting: "Trump Tariffs Affect the World... Will Discuss Mutually Beneficial Issues for Both Countries"

Park Jong-won, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, who visited Washington D.C. to address trade issues including U.S. tariff measures, stated on the 17th (local time), "We will listen carefully to the U.S. side and clearly explain our position and opinions to create a platform for discussions that benefit both countries."

Upon arriving at Dulles International Airport, Deputy Minister Park told reporters, "(The Trump tariffs) affect not only our country but all of the United States' trading partners worldwide," adding, "Our country must also proceed cautiously in consultations with the U.S."

Jongwon Park, Deputy Minister for Trade, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. (File photo)

When asked whether South Korea requested an 'exemption' from the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum that the U.S. plans to impose starting next month on the 12th, Deputy Minister Park took a cautious stance. He said, "Consultations with the U.S. side are scheduled, so I will summarize and comment after everything is concluded."

This is the first time a senior South Korean government official has visited the U.S. for consultations since U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced various tariff imposition plans that could also apply to South Korea.

Deputy Minister Park expressed hope that further consultations with the U.S. would continue after this visit. He said, "It will not end with me; discussions will continue," and added, "After listening to the U.S. side and explaining our position, not only I but also higher-level officials will likely have opportunities for consultations soon." Accordingly, it is expected that Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun’s visit to the U.S. will be pursued before the anticipated mutual tariff imposition by the U.S., which could take place as early as April 2.

During this visit, Deputy Minister Park plans to identify the main concerns of the U.S. side regarding mutual tariff imposition through meetings with key U.S. government and congressional officials, and actively convey South Korea’s position on the steel and aluminum tariff measures. He also intends to request the establishment of a stable and consistent policy environment that enables Korean companies to smoothly carry out investment projects in the U.S.