Deputy Minister Jeong In-kyu of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy started a two-day visit to the United States on the 8th, where he met with Jamieson Greer, the representative of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and William Kimmitt, Senior Advisor of the Department of Commerce (nominated Vice Minister for International Trade), to discuss negotiations aimed at lowering the tariff rates imposed by the U.S. on Korea, the ministry announced on the 10th.
According to the ministry, Deputy Minister Jeong conveyed concerns regarding the U.S. tariff measures announced on the 2nd to Greer. He continued to focus discussions with the U.S. side on reducing tariff rates on Korea.
Deputy Minister Jeong discussed U.S. trade policy, including the U.S. tariff measures, with Kimmitt, the nominated Vice Minister for International Trade. He also met with Jeffrey Kessler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), to discuss cooperation for establishing a stable global supply chain.
Both sides shared the recognition of continuing discussions to strengthen supply chains and economic security as reliable cooperation partners.
Deputy Minister Jeong noted that the friendly momentum was created between Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and U.S. President Donald Trump during their summit call, providing a substantial framework for negotiations.
Deputy Minister Jeong said, "Based on the discussions held this time, we will continue negotiations with the U.S. regarding major trade issues, including tariff measures," and added, "We will do our utmost to minimize the damage to our industries."