South Korea has kicked off high-stakes trade talks with the United States in Washington, aiming to ease steep tariffs and strengthen cooperation in energy, shipbuilding, and potentially defense costs.
The discussions, led by Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun, come as South Korea faces 25% U.S. tariffs—particularly painful for its auto industry, which sends nearly half of its vehicle exports to America.
The U.S. has already slapped tariffs on key South Korean goods as part of its wider global trade policy under President Donald Trump.
This meeting marks the second major round of face-to-face trade talks between the U.S. and its Asian allies, following similar discussions with Japan last week.
With a 90-day pause on tariffs set to expire, pressure is mounting for South Korea to negotiate favorable terms.
Acting President Han Duck-soo, who spoke with Trump earlier this month, said the country is prioritizing three areas in the talks: reducing the trade imbalance, boosting shipbuilding collaboration, and negotiating liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases.
South Korea is the world’s second-largest shipbuilder and views this sector as a strong bargaining chip.
The talks also come at a sensitive political time. South Korea is set for a snap presidential election on June 3 after President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office.
Analysts say meaningful deals may only come after the election, but Han has expressed a strong desire to strike a “win-win” agreement.
On the controversial issue of paying more for the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, officials said it may be discussed but will not be bundled into trade negotiations.
South Korea has already rolled out emergency support for carmakers like Hyundai and Kia, which are vulnerable under current U.S. tariffs.
As global markets watch closely, the outcome of these talks could not only reshape South Korea-U.S. trade relations but also influence Han Duck-soo’s future political ambitions.
