US, South Korea to hold crucial tariffs talks later this week

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is set to visit South Korea later this week for talks about Washington's new tariff scheme and other trade issues, media reports said Sunday.

Greer is scheduled to arrive Thursday in South Korea for a two-day stay to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade ministers meeting, which will be held on the southern resort island of Jeju, Yonhap News reported, citing unnamed government officials.​​​​​​​

Greer and South Korean officials are expected to have high-level talks on the sidelines of the meeting, as consultations are underway about US President Donald Trump's new tariff policies.

Trump began imposing reciprocal tariffs last month on trading partners, including 25% levies on South Korea, but placed a pause on the penalties shortly afterward.

Seoul and Washington agreed to seek a package agreement on trade and other related issues before the end of Trump's 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, which expires July 8.

"The upcoming high-level talks are expected to serve as a turning point in shaping the direction of trade negotiations, with the US likely to present detailed demands and both sides coordinating schedules and formats for future negotiations," Yonhap News reported, citing experts.

Seoul has said it will approach the talks with Washington in a "calm" and "prudent" manner, and "without haste," before a June 3 snap presidential election.

*Writing by Aamir Latif