Overview

• The U.S. has urged South Korea to address non-tariff barriers highlighted in the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report, including restrictions on beef imports and regulatory policies.
• South Korea continues to push for exemptions or reductions in the 25% tariffs imposed under the Trump administration, with a focus on steel and automobile sectors.
• The latest round of technical discussions was held in Washington last week, following earlier talks during the APEC meeting on Jeju Island.
• South Korea has approved certain measures, such as the cultivation of U.S.-grown modified potatoes, to address U.S. concerns over non-tariff barriers.
• Sensitive trade decisions are expected to be deferred to South Korea's next government, with the presidential election set for June 3, 2025.