South Korea’s trade minister held discussions on countering Washington’s proposed tariffs on several countries, including South Korea, for allegedly not enforcing import bans on products made through forced labor. The Trade Minister, Yeo Han-koo, met with officials to review progress and plan follow-up actions. The US Trade Representative suggested imposing tariffs on products from 60 trading partners, with South Korea facing a 12.5 percent levy.
The South Korean government aims to prioritize national interests while enhancing business competitiveness and expanding export markets. Discussions also focused on advancing trade deals with Mongolia and negotiations on services and investment under the free trade agreement with China. Meanwhile, the US Trade Representative responded to criticism of the proposed tariffs, stating they are necessary due to alleged failures in enforcing prohibitions on goods made with forced labor.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer defended the tariff proposal in response to a critical editorial, arguing that the tariffs are not protectionist measures but necessary actions. The proposed additional tariffs of 10 percent or 12.5 percent target imports from economies accused of not effectively enforcing bans on forced labor products. South Korea, China, and Japan are among the countries that could face the 12.5 percent tariffs.
