Yeo Han-koo, South Korea’s Trade Minister at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, speaks during the “U.S. Chamber of Commerce Roundtable” held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C., on June 27 (local time). (Image provided by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.)
SEOUL, June 30 (Korea Bizwire) — As the clock ticks down to a critical trade deadline, South Korea is turning to its citizens, industry experts, and policy stakeholders for input before it finalizes its negotiation stance in upcoming tariff talks with the United States.
On Monday, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a public hearing aimed at collecting public opinion and expert insight on how the nation should approach a fast-approaching round of full-scale negotiations with Washington.
The talks are part of ongoing efforts to reshape the trade dynamic between the two allies, with a particular focus on easing punitive tariffs imposed under U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal trade framework.
The hearing is a mandatory step under South Korea’s Act on the Conclusion Procedure and Implementation of Commercial Treaties, which requires transparency and public consultation ahead of any formal trade deal.
The ministry used the occasion to present a progress report on the ongoing trade consultations and laid out key issues likely to define the upcoming negotiation round.
Among the participants was the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, which unveiled the findings of a feasibility study on proposed agenda items—ranging from steel tariffs to regulatory friction in digital services.
Since February, Seoul has been locked in negotiations with the U.S. over a wide range of issues, including President Trump’s 25 percent reciprocal tariffs on Korean exports and additional levies on key sectors such as automobiles and steel.
The discussions are now racing toward a July 8 deadline—the end of a 90-day moratorium on new U.S. trade measures—by which time both sides hope to reach a comprehensive agreement.
Yeo Han-koo (R), South Korea’s new trade minister, talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer (L) and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during their meeting in Washington on June 23, 2025, in this photo released by the South Korean industry ministry. (Yonhap)
Sources familiar with the matter say the talks have touched on several contentious points. Washington has pressed Seoul to take steps to reduce its trade surplus and reconsider a number of non-tariff measures, including a longstanding ban on U.S. beef from cattle older than 30 months, emerging digital platform regulations, and export restrictions on high-precision geospatial data.
South Korean officials have made it clear that they intend to safeguard national interests throughout the process. “We will pursue tariff negotiations with the U.S. under the principle of prioritizing national interest,” said Vice Trade Minister Park Jong-won.
Following the public hearing, the government plans to incorporate feedback into its formal negotiation strategy and submit a report to the National Assembly, paving the way for formal talks with Washington to begin in earnest.
With public scrutiny mounting and economic stakes high, the outcome of these negotiations could have lasting implications for the future of U.S.–South Korea trade relations—and the industries that depend on them.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
