South Korea Seeks U.S. Tariff Exemption Amid Trade Tensions

South Korea’s industry minister, Ahn Duk-geun, has urged the U.S. to grant tariff exemptions during trade talks in Washington, as the Biden administration moves forward with new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum. Ahn met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss economic cooperation and voice concerns over Washington’s trade measures.

Ahn emphasized South Korean companies’ concerns and sought relief from the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration. Both countries agreed to establish a working-level channel to address tariff-related issues and strengthen cooperation in strategic industries like shipbuilding and energy.

His visit follows Deputy Trade Minister Park Jong-won’s recent trip, where South Korea pushed for exemptions from the impending tariffs. The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) allows most goods to move tariff-free, but Trump’s decision to enforce global tariffs in March, followed by reciprocal tariffs in April, has raised concerns among South Korean exporters.

As one of the U.S.’s top trade partners, South Korea is increasingly wary of these measures. Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok also urged U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to consider South Korea’s economic contributions in Washington’s trade policies.

The discussions mark the first ministerial-level trade talks between the two nations in Trump’s second term and come at a time of political uncertainty in South Korea, with President Yoon Suk Yeol suspended from duties. South Korea continues to advocate for fair trade terms to protect its industries and maintain strong economic ties with the U.S.