Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo left for Washington on Sunday to hold bilateral trade talks with his U.S. counterparts.
During his visit, he is expected to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, as well as other high-ranking U.S. government officials, to discuss tariff-related and other trade issues.
Prior to the inauguration of the Lee administration, trade officials from both countries agreed to work toward reaching a broader packaged deal by July 8, the day U.S. President Donald Trump's 90-day tariff suspension is set to expire.
Attention is now focused on whether the two countries can narrow their differences through negotiations and produce meaningful outcomes by the deadline.
Yeo is expected to push for exemptions or significant reductions in reciprocal tariffs, including the U.S.' steep hikes on steel and aluminum imports.
Since his appointment to the post just over a week ago, Yeo has reportedly consulted with relevant government ministries and agencies in preparation for his U.S. trip.
The export-dependent country has already begun to feel the pinch, with automobile exports to the U.S. dropping by more than 30 percent last month, largely due to a 25-percent tariff implemented in April.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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