South Korea’s industry minister arrived in Washington on Thursday to hold talks with senior U.S. officials after President Donald Trump warned he could raise tariffs on South Korean goods over delays in implementing a bilateral trade deal. The visit comes amid heightened concern in Seoul that trade tensions could escalate if legislative bottlenecks are not resolved.
Washington and Seoul agreed to a revised trade deal last December, but key legislation required to enact the agreement has yet to pass South Korea’s parliament.
Meetings with U.S. officials
Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said he would meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to clarify Seoul’s position on what he described as a “delayed” Korea–U.S. trade deal, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Kim is also scheduled to meet U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright during his visit, according to a statement from South Korea’s industry ministry. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo is set to depart Seoul later on Thursday for Washington to hold talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Legislative delays at centre of dispute
Speaking to reporters upon arrival at Washington’s Dulles airport, Kim said U.S. concerns appear to be focused on delays in South Korea’s domestic legislative process. He noted that South Korea’s parliament is due to convene its first session of the year in February, when lawmakers are expected to vote on a range of bills, including those related to the trade agreement.
“From what we hear, the United States is unhappy about the domestic legislative process,” Yonhap quoted Kim as saying.
Kim added that he planned to reassure U.S. officials that there had been no change in the South Korean government’s commitment to cooperation and investment with the United States.
Trump’s tariff threat
Trump warned earlier this week that he could raise tariffs on South Korean goods from 15% to 25%, citing Seoul’s failure to pass legislation linked to the trade deal. The comments triggered alarm in South Korea, where officials fear the move could disrupt key export sectors.
On Tuesday, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone, telling reporters that the United States would “work something out with South Korea,” without providing details.
U.S. position on the deal
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Washington had lowered tariffs to 15% last year in exchange for South Korea’s pledge to invest $350 billion in the United States and expand market access. However, he said South Korea had not yet fulfilled its legislative commitments under the agreement.
South Korean lawmakers have expressed optimism that the necessary bills will be passed during a plenary session expected in February. Officials in Seoul say they have been engaging U.S. counterparts through multiple diplomatic and trade channels to prevent further escalation.
Analysis
The visit underscores South Korea’s urgency in containing trade tensions with its most important security ally at a time of heightened global tariff uncertainty. While the dispute centres on legislative timing rather than substance, Trump’s willingness to threaten tariff hikes has raised concerns in Seoul about the vulnerability of trade ties to U.S. domestic politics.
By dispatching senior ministers to Washington, South Korea appears intent on reassuring the Trump administration of its long-term commitment while buying time for parliamentary approval. Whether that strategy succeeds may hinge on how much patience Washington is willing to extend as Seoul navigates its internal political calendar.
With information from Reuters.
