Seoul to Hold High-level Talks Before Aug 1 US Tariff Deadline

SEOUL, July 26 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- South Korea’s presidential office on Saturday pledged to make an all-out effort in trade negotiations with Washington, with a series of high-level meetings scheduled next week to avert looming tariffs.

According to Yonhap news agency, the announcement came after an emergency meeting co-chaired by presidential chief of staff for policy Kim Yong Beom and National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac earlier in the day.

The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing talks and coordinated Seoul's response as the Aug 1 deadline for new US tariffs approaches.

Key Cabinet members present included Finance Minister Koo Yun Cheol, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, Office for Government Policy Coordination chief Yoon Chang Ryeol, and First Vice Industry Minister Moon Shin-hak. Industry Minister Kim Jung Kwan and Trade Minister Yeo Han Koo, who are currently leading negotiations in the United States, joined via video link.

According to the presidential office, the US has shown “a high level of interest” in the shipbuilding sector, and both countries agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in that area.

To advance the discussions, Koo will meet with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, while Cho will hold talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio next week.

The negotiations are focused on easing the threatened 25 per cent “reciprocal” tariffs from the US, as well as potential duties on steel and automobiles, which are set to take effect on Aug 1.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP