The 'Korea-U.S. 2+2 Trade Consultation' delegation proposed measures for trade balance and cooperation in energy and shipbuilding to the U.S. during the consultation held on the 24th in Washington, D.C., and requested a tariff exemption for Korea, the government stated. The delegation noted that the consultation was conducted in a friendly atmosphere and that additional high-level discussions and working meetings would continue in the future.
According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Deputy Prime Minister Choi conveyed the concerns of the Korean people regarding the reciprocal tariffs and item-specific tariffs imposed by the U.S. He emphasized that Korea is a reliable partner for the U.S. and suggested exploring mutually beneficial cooperation measures for both countries. Deputy Prime Minister Choi also explained to the U.S. side that, considering Korea's current situation and overall circumstances, calm and orderly discussions are necessary.
Minister Ahn Duk-geun presented a practical proposal to the U.S. side. He proposed measures for sustainable and balanced Korea-U.S. trade and mutual contributions from both countries to enhance Korea's energy security and rebuild the U.S. shipbuilding industry. In exchange for this proposal, he requested the exemption of reciprocal and item-specific tariff measures for Korea.
The government evaluated the consultation, stating, "This is the first intergovernmental meeting attended by the finance and trade ministers of both countries to confirm each side's concerns and positions regarding U.S. tariff policies and discuss future consultation measures."
The delegation reported that the atmosphere of the consultation was "conducted in a friendly manner as the first official consultation." The two countries agreed to continue with working meetings and additional high-level discussions following this first round of trade consultations.