By Berk Kutay Gokmen
ISTANBUL (AA) – South Korea aims to build a "mutually beneficial" strategic partnership with the US through bilateral trade talks, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo said Friday before departing for Washington, Yonhap news reported.
The visit comes just days before a 90-day pause on US reciprocal tariffs expires, as the Asian country pushes for an exemption or reduction from the tariffs, particularly the 25% levies on steel, automobiles, and other goods.
"Based on the progress made in the consultations so far, we will do our utmost to ensure that Korean companies are not placed at a disadvantage compared to other countries," Yeo said at the Incheon International Airport.
"We will use this tariff negotiation as an opportunity to establish a new framework for a mutually beneficial strategic partnership between South Korea and the US."
Yeo is set to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and other senior officials to accelerate negotiations. Talks will cover key trade issues and potential cooperation on supporting a US "manufacturing renaissance," according to South Korea’s Trade Ministry.
The US has requested expanded access to South Korea’s agriculture, automotive, digital, and service sectors, Yeo told lawmakers earlier Friday. He said Seoul will respond "flexibly," taking into account both US demands and domestic sensitivities.
"Depending on the progress of the negotiations, we will also actively push for extending the suspension of US reciprocal tariffs, if needed," he added.