Trade Minister Ahn Dukgeun: "ROK-U.S. Reach Principled Agreement on Trade Consultation Framework... Aiming for July Package"

Request for Tariff Exemptions on Automobiles and Steel

Minister Andeok Geun of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (right) is taking a commemorative photo with Jamieson Greer, USTR representative, on the 24th (local time) at the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) conference room in Washington D.C., USA. Photo by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Minister Ahn Dukgeun of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated that "at the ROK-U.S. 2+2 High-Level Talks, the two countries reached a principled agreement on the framework for future consultations."

On the 24th (local time), following the conclusion of the ROK-U.S. 2+2 High-Level Talks in Washington D.C., United States, Minister Ahn held a press briefing and said, "We are aiming to produce the so-called 'July Package' by July 8, and accordingly, both countries' working-level officials will discuss the method and scope of consultations next week."

He added, "During my meeting with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), I once again requested a complete exemption for all tariffs, including reciprocal tariffs imposed on Korea, as well as all existing and future tariffs on key items such as automobiles and steel."

Minister Ahn emphasized, "After returning to Korea, I plan to finalize the specific consultation agenda through discussions with the Economic Security Strategy Task Force led by the Prime Minister and with relevant ministries. Based on this, we will begin full-scale consultations with the U.S. side." He also stressed, "In this process, we will strengthen communication with key stakeholders, including the National Assembly and industry."