Washington requests 'more time' to sign tariff deal with Seoul, FM says

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - Amid growing speculation over why South Korea and the U.S. are still unable to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for their recent tariff-related deal, which was finalized on the sidelines of last week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Thursday that Washington has requested "more time."

When asked what has caused the delay, Cho said during a parliamentary hearing, "Given the deal's vast scope, it is just taking time to check and fine-tune details between the two sides through an extensive review process."

"I have heard that the U.S. side is in the final stage of review with relevant government agencies there," he explained, assuring lawmakers who had raised concerns about possible disagreements over specific terms or other issues.

Cho added that both sides have already exchanged near-final drafts, hinting at the deal's imminent signing along with the release of a joint fact sheet outlining all the details.

Nevertheless it remains to be seen when it will happen, as it has been repeatedly delayed.

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.

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