The South Korean government has launched local outreach efforts in the United States to address major trade issues, including U.S. Trade Act Section 301 tariffs, and to alleviate U.S. concerns regarding domestic digital regulations such as the Coupang issue.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that Yeo Han-koo, Minister for Trade, visited Washington, D.C., from July 21 to 24 (local time) and engaged in in-depth discussions on bilateral trade issues with key figures from the U.S. administration, Congress, and industry.

During this period, Minister Yeo met with 10 U.S. senators and representatives, including Senator Bill Hagerty and Representative Adrian Smith, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, to clearly convey that South Korea's digital laws and policies do not discriminate against U.S. companies.

In particular, he emphasized that South Korea is one of the largest investors in the United States and highlighted the necessity of bilateral cooperation in core industrial sectors such as semiconductors, shipbuilding, and energy.

He requested the active support of the U.S. Congress to solidify the mutually beneficial economic relationship between the two nations.

Additionally, alongside a visiting delegation of lawmakers from the Korea-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Association (led by Representative Shin Dong-hoon, accompanied by Representatives Bae Hyun-jin, Cho Jung-hun, and Cha Ji-ho), he held a joint meeting with Senator Steve Daines and Representative Brad Schneider to convey the commitment to strengthening Korea-U.S. relations.

During meetings with major U.S. digital companies such as Google, Apple, AWS, and Qualcomm, Minister Yeo also made it clear that the South Korean government's policies do not discriminate against U.S. firms.

Earlier, on the 21st, ahead of the legal expiration date (the 24th) of the global tariffs (10%) under Section 122 of the U.S. Trade Act, Minister Yeo met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to confirm future action plans, including the Section 301 investigation.

At the meeting, he conveyed the South Korean stance that the balance of benefits under the Korea-U.S. tariff agreement must continue to be maintained.

(Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Yonhap News)