Overview

• South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent next week during the G20 finance ministers' meeting in Washington.
• The talks, initiated by Bessent, aim to address a 25% reciprocal tariff announced by the Trump administration, which has since been paused.
• A key priority for South Korea is to delay tariff implementation to minimize adverse impacts on its trade-reliant businesses.
• The U.S. Treasury has emphasized a 'first mover advantage' for allies, suggesting a potential agreement in principle could be reached soon.
• The discussions are part of broader international economic coordination during IMF and World Bank sessions, highlighting the strategic importance of multilateral engagement.