US Releases Pre-Tariff Trade Report: "Expanding Access to Korean Car Market a Priority"

USTR Emphasizes Expansion of Market Access for U.S. Automobiles in Korea
Report Highlights Ongoing Trade Barriers Including Beef Import Restrictions and Network Usage Fees
Reciprocal Tariffs to Be Announced Based on Report Findings

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) stated on the 31st (local time) in the 'Country Trade Barriers Report' submitted to President Donald Trump and Congress that expanding market access for Korean automobiles is a major priority for the U.S. automotive industry. The report also meticulously listed recurring complaints from the U.S. industry, such as the ban on imports of U.S. beef over 30 months of age and issues related to network usage fees, as key trade barriers.

AP Yonhap News

In the report, USTR wrote, "Expanding market access for U.S. automobile manufacturers in the Korean automobile market remains a top priority for the United States."

The report pointed out that the U.S. government has raised concerns about Korea's regulations on imported car emission-related parts under the 'Air Quality Preservation Act.' U.S. automotive companies are worried that when changing emission-related parts, they must obtain certification or submit reports, but the standards are unclear. Additionally, U.S. companies face criminal prosecution by the Korea Customs Service if they violate import car regulations, while the customs authorities reportedly have no investigative authority over Korean companies, which is seen as unfair.

USTR devoted 7 pages to Korea in the overall 397-page report, listing numerous trade barriers considered unfair to the U.S. industry, including restrictions on imports of U.S. beef over 30 months of age, network usage fees, and cloud service security certifications applied to the public sector.

Based on the USTR report and others, President Trump will announce reciprocal tariffs on the 2nd of next month, two days later. The plan is to impose tariffs by country corresponding to each nation's tariffs and non-tariff barriers, making this report more noteworthy than in previous years.