Seoul: South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan has traveled to Europe to engage in further trade negotiations with the United States, as the deadline for potential U.S. tariff measures nears on August 1, sources revealed Monday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim, along with Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, departed from Washington to Scotland after concluding two days of tariff discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. This move follows the arrival of a U.S. delegation led by President Donald Trump in Scotland for trade talks with the European Union.
The trip to Europe is seen as a critical diplomatic effort to secure a final agreement, as the deadline for U.S. tariff imposition approaches in just four days. The South Korean officials are reported to have engaged in further negotiations in Scotland following their discussions with U.S. representatives.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung stated in a written briefing that President Lee Jae Myung was informed by South Korean negotiators on the developments, though specific details of their location were not disclosed.
In light of other major economies reaching agreements with the U.S., South Korea is striving to remain engaged in the negotiations to finalize a trade agreement before the August 1 deadline. The goal is to reduce the 25 percent reciprocal tariff and sector-specific duties initially imposed on South Korean goods under the Trump administration.
Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol is also scheduled to visit the U.S. later this week to hold discussions with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday.
The reciprocal tariffs were first implemented on April 9 but were immediately suspended by President Trump for a 90-day negotiation period. While the suspension has been extended, the U.S. has signaled plans to resume enforcement on August 1 if a deal is not reached.