South Korea Eyes Increased U.S. Imports to Ease Trade Tensions Amid Tariff Dispute

South Korea’s Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo announced Tuesday that Seoul is actively considering measures to boost imports from the United States in response to escalating trade tensions and new U.S. tariffs. As he traveled to Washington for high-level negotiations, Cheong emphasized that increasing U.S. imports could help address concerns over the bilateral trade imbalance.

In light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks suggesting openness to tariff talks beyond China, Cheong expressed cautious optimism. "It is difficult to reduce exports, so shouldn’t we then increase U.S. imports?" he said, adding that the government is reviewing various import packages, including increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the U.S.

Cheong is scheduled to meet U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to dispute what he described as a “problematic” high tariff rate imposed on South Korea, despite the existing U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

Last week, the U.S. announced steep reciprocal tariffs, including a 25% duty on South Korea and a 46% rate on Vietnam. These measures could significantly impact South Korean companies such as Samsung and LG, which operate large-scale manufacturing hubs in Vietnam.

South Korea’s Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok warned that the new tariffs could deal a “huge blow” to Korean exporters relying on overseas production. Seoul is pushing for negotiations to prevent lasting damage to its export-driven economy and to maintain stable trade relations with Washington.

As tensions grow amid a global tariff war, South Korea is seeking strategic solutions to protect its key industries and preserve the benefits of its long-standing trade alliance with the U.S.