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South Korea Pushes for Tariff Extension and Lee-Trump Summit in Washington

Envoys rush to stave off steep U.S. duties ahead of the July 8 deadline, proposing a joint manufacturing pact.

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President Lee Mae-myung (L) presents a letter of appointment to National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, in this photo taken July 4, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

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.