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6d ago

South Korea and U.S. Set for Landmark '2+2' Trade Talks in Washington

High-level negotiations on Thursday aim to address U.S. tariffs and advance cooperation on trade balance, shipbuilding, and LNG.

Shipping containers are seen at Pyeongtaek port in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, April 15, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
Acting President Han Duck-soo (C) presides over a meeting of the economic and security strategy task force at the government complex in Seoul on April 21, 2025. (Yonhap)
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok attends an economy meeting at the government complex in Seoul on April 21, 2025. (Yonhap)
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on April 2, 2025, in this photo released by Reuters. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • South Korea's Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun will meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington on Thursday at 8 a.m. ET.
  • This inaugural '2+2' meeting, requested by the U.S., marks the first high-level effort to ease recently imposed U.S. tariffs on Korean exports, which are currently suspended for 90 days.
  • Key discussion areas include trade balance, shipbuilding, and liquefied natural gas, identified as priorities by South Korea for a mutually beneficial outcome.
  • Following the main talks, Ahn and Greer will hold separate bilateral discussions to further address specific trade concerns.
  • Trade Minister Ahn will brief South Korea’s National Assembly on the negotiations’ schedule and details, seeking bipartisan support for the government’s approach.