Seoul: South Korea has once again requested an exemption from all U.S. tariffs, as revealed by Seoul's Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun following a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. This meeting took place alongside a trade ministers' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies.
According to Yonhap News Agency, both parties agreed to continue their technical discussions on unresolved trade issues, which include trade imbalances, non-tariff measures, economic security, and digital trade. The meeting on South Korea's Jeju Island comes three weeks after a previous high-level trade consultation in Washington. During that meeting, both nations agreed to aim for a "package" deal concerning U.S. tariffs and economic cooperation by July 8.
Greer was attending the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting, which concluded on Jeju after a two-day session. Last month, South Korea and the United States decided to concentrate their discussions on four main areas: tariff and non-tariff measures, economic security, investment cooperation, and currency policies. South Korea has been striving for a reduction or exemption of U.S. tariffs, including the 25 percent reciprocal duties that have been temporarily suspended for 90 days.
On Thursday, Greer also met with South Korean Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo to discuss ongoing trade issues and the progress of U.S. trade negotiations with other countries. According to Cheong's office, these discussions are crucial in shaping future trade relations.
Earlier, Greer engaged with executives from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. in Jeju to explore bilateral cooperation in the shipbuilding sector. This cooperation is a significant point in the Seoul-Washington trade talks, aligning with the Trump administration's efforts to revitalize America's shipbuilding industry. South Korea is a leader in global shipbuilding, making this a strategic area for collaboration.
Last month, U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan visited South Korea to inspect HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' headquarters in Ulsan and Hanwha Ocean's shipyard in Geoje. In a subsequent exclusive written interview with Yonhap News Agency, Phelan expressed the U.S. Navy's willingness to enhance collaboration with South Korean shipyards to support the revitalization of America's maritime industrial base.