Yeo Han-koo, head of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's Trade Negotiation Headquarters, said on the 10th that he had discussions focused on how to advance negotiations on tariffs with Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, and Howard Lutnick, the Secretary of Commerce.
The head of the Trade Negotiation Headquarters, Yeo, returned to Korea on the afternoon of the same day after visiting the United States for tariff negotiations and noted, "I had in-depth discussions with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce in two meetings."
Yeo noted that regarding the United States postponing the implementation of reciprocal tariffs to August 1 by three weeks, "Three weeks is a very short time," and added, "We are now accelerating negotiations on issues that both sides are interested in significantly." He also mentioned that the U.S. showed great interest in the Korea-U.S. Manufacturing Renaissance Partnership.
From May 5 to 9 (local time), Yeo visited Washington, D.C. to discuss cooperation plans in manufacturing and trade negotiations. Yeo conducted negotiations aimed at reducing tariffs on items such as automobiles and steel that the U.S. imposes on Korea and for exemptions from the anticipated 25% reciprocal tariffs.
Yeo stated, "We talked at the ministerial level, and this time we have continued to consult with USTR and the Department of Commerce at the level of chief negotiators as well," and added, "As time goes on, the negotiations may become more concrete."
He emphasized, "In particular, I felt there is a significant interest in how Korean corporations can collaborate with the U.S. in industries that are extremely important from the perspective of industrial competitiveness and national security, such as shipbuilding and semiconductors, to help rebuild U.S. manufacturing."