Overview

• National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac began a three-day trip in Washington to negotiate extension or modification of U.S. 25% reciprocal and sectoral tariffs, meeting U.S. counterparts as the suspension expires July 8.
• Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo arrived in D.C. to lead trade talks aimed at maximizing Seoul’s practical interests by seeking exemptions or rate reductions on automobiles, steel and aluminum.
• Seoul’s delegation has proposed a mutually beneficial manufacturing cooperation framework to integrate supply chains and support U.S. industrial revitalization alongside tariff talks.
• Discussions on a first formal summit between President Lee Jae Myung and President Trump feature on the agenda as part of broader coordination on security and economic ties.
• These efforts follow the cancellation of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit and a martial law probe into former President Yoon Suk Yeol, which have strained high-level exchanges.