Korea and U.S. to Hold High-Level Trade Meeting in Washington This Week

Heejae’s Article

You might be wondering what’s going on between Korea and the U.S. lately, here’s a quick update.

This week, South Korea and the United States will hold a high-level trade meeting in Washington to discuss important economic issues, including U.S. tariffs on Korean exports.

The meeting will follow a “2+2” format, meaning both countries’ finance and trade ministers will sit down together. From Korea, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok and Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun will attend. On the U.S. side, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer will take part.

The format was suggested by the U.S., and the meeting is expected to take place on April 24. Details are still being finalized.

Korea plans to focus on removing or lowering tariffs on key exports like cars and semiconductors. Minister Ahn said Korea is approaching the talks carefully to make sure the results are fair for both sides.

There’s also some talk about defense cost-sharing possibly coming up, especially with the U.S. election season underway. But Minister Ahn made it clear: this meeting is about trade, not security.

The U.S. has also asked Korea to consider joining the Alaska LNG (liquefied natural gas) project. Minister Ahn said the government is still reviewing it and wants to understand more before making any decisions.

It’s a meeting definitely worth keeping an eye on.