Washington: South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan is set to visit Washington, D.C., for discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding trade issues in light of President Donald Trump's recent tariff hike threat aimed at Seoul, officials reported on Thursday. Kim's visit follows his official trip to Canada and is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. capital late Wednesday, as confirmed by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Resources.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump's announcement earlier this week of plans to increase "reciprocal" tariffs and auto duties on Korea back to 25 percent has prompted Kim's visit. This move by the U.S. President cites Seoul's lack of progress in the legislative process needed to ratify a tariff deal finalized last October between the two nations. Kim's meeting with Lutnick aims to seek a resolution to the ongoing situation and to emphasize Korea's previous efforts to comply with the trade agreement.
Kim's agenda also includes discussions with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and other officials on energy and resource cooperation between the two countries. However, it remains unclear if the natural gas project in Alaska will be part of these discussions. The U.S. has been urging Korea to participate in this project, with Trump recently stating that the U.S. obtained funding for it through trade deals with Korea and Japan.
In a press release, Kim stated, "We will work in close coordination with the domestic industries and relevant government ministries to consult with the U.S. side for resolving pending trade issues and continuing mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries." Additionally, Seoul plans to dispatch Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo to Washington for further talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer regarding the tariff issue.