Overview

• Yeo pledged to accelerate shuttle negotiations with U.S. trade officials to shield South Korean exporters from a planned 25 percent tariff rise.
• The trade ministry expanded its task force into an all-out response system covering trade, industry and energy to coordinate strategy.
• Working-level representatives will be elevated from director to first-class senior level to strengthen Korea’s bargaining position.
• A third technical round is scheduled this month to address outstanding issues such as U.S. beef import curbs and high-precision mapping data regulations.
• Veteran negotiator Kim Hyun-chong is expected to become special presidential adviser for foreign affairs and national security to support overarching trade talks.