South Korea Seeks U.S. Tariff Exemptions Ahead of July Deadline
South Korean officials are in Washington for technical discussions with the U.S. Trade Representative, aiming to secure exemptions or softened terms for auto, steel, and other exports before Trump-era tariffs resume on July 8. The 25% duties, paused temporarily, could be reinstated without concessions.
Last week’s visit by Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok yielded an agreement to develop a duty-waiver package. Today’s talks advance those efforts, though Seoul emphasizes formal negotiations have yet to begin.