Washington: South Korea and the United States conducted high-level trade discussions in Washington on Thursday. The objective was to negotiate the removal of the "reciprocal" tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and to protect South Korean industries from other potential U.S. duties.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. This marked the first "two-plus-two" trade talks held between the two nations in the U.S. capital.
The Trump administration initially imposed specific "reciprocal" tariffs, including a 25 percent duty on April 9, before pausing them for 90 days to facilitate negotiations. A 25 percent levy on automobiles was enforced on April 3, with similar duties on certain auto parts expected by May 3.
South Korean Trade Minister Ahn, upon arrival near Washington on Wednesday, expressed Seoul's aim to eliminate these tariffs and quickly address the U.S. auto tariff policies.
Experts have suggested that the discussions might have addressed a broad range of bilateral trade issues. These include U.S. tariffs and non-tariff barriers, such as South Korea's restriction on American beef from cattle over 30 months old.
The talks may have also touched upon Seoul's financial contributions toward the expenses of stationing 28,500 U.S. troops in South Korea. The Trump administration has linked defense cost-sharing to broader trade negotiations under a "one-stop shopping" approach.
The trade discussions occurred at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, located near the White House, a strategic choice that possibly minimized the chance of an unexpected appearance by Trump.