Lee Jae-myung's government is visiting Washington, D.C., for the first trade negotiations with the United States. On the 22nd, Deputy Minister Yeohan-gu of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said, 'I will focus on practical, mutually beneficial negotiations centered on national interest.'

On the 22nd, Han-gu Yeo, the head of the Trade Negotiation Headquarters of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, answers questions from reporters at the departure hall of Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

Deputy Minister Yeoh noted before his departure at the Incheon International Airport departure hall that this is 'the first meeting between the trade heads of both countries since the new government took office' and emphasized the need to explain the new government's governance philosophy in detail.

He added, 'From now on, it is important to form goodwill to accelerate negotiations actively and create mutually beneficial results centered on national interest.'

Deputy Minister Yeoh plans to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and other key American officials through the 27th to discuss tariff issues between Korea and the United States.

Ahead of the new government launch, the Korean and American trade authorities agreed to reach a 'July package' by July 8, related to tariff issues, and have continued discussions.

In response to concerns that the negotiation deadline is tight, Deputy Minister Yeoh said, 'I think we no longer need to use the term July package,' and added, 'It seems quite difficult to predict the current situation of the United States politically and economically, given how variable it is since early July.'

He continued, 'Since a momentum is forming under the new government, it is important to ride this wave and do as much as we can.'

Concerning the issues raised by the U.S. side regarding the lifting of the age restriction on beef and the allowance for the export of detailed maps, Deputy Minister Yeoh stated, 'Various aspects will be discussed in detail during these technical negotiations.'

Immediately after taking office, Deputy Minister Yeoh has established a 'task force for negotiations with the United States' involving multiple departments and has upgraded the representative for technical negotiations with the U.S. from the Director General level to the first-class level, preparing a negotiation package for the United States.

He said, 'Under the newly expanded system, we plan to discuss all issues in depth and explain our sensitive points to the U.S. side and persuade them as much as possible.'

In response to concerns that there may be continuity issues with tariffs under the new government's negotiations compared to the previous administration, he noted, 'I don’t think it will be a problem.'

Deputy Minister Yeoh stated, 'During my visit to the U.S., I plan to meet with not only USTR representative Greer but also ministers from U.S. government departments, White House officials, members of Congress, and figures who can play an important role in shaping public opinion, aiming to gather as many allies for Korea as possible during the negotiation process.'

He also mentioned regarding the recent announcement that the U.S. will limit the supply of American equipment to Chinese factories of Korean semiconductor corporations, such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, 'I will convey our industry’s concerns.'

He added, 'We will make sure to contact the U.S. Department of Commerce, USTR, and the White House to adequately convey our industry's concerns and constructively discuss whether there are aspects we can work on.'