South Korea's Trade Minister Visits Washington Amid Section 301 Tariff Talks

According to South Korea's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Resources, Industry Minister Kim Jung-gwan is visiting Washington, D.C., from July 22 to 25 to discuss trade negotiations with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other officials. The delegation, led by Minister Kim and Trade Negotiation Bureau Chief Yeo Han-ku, will focus on anticipated Section 301 tariffs the U.S. government plans to impose, as well as bilateral investment projects and semiconductor industry cooperation.

The U.S. Trade Representative's Office has been investigating South Korea since March under Section 301 regarding overproduction and forced labor allegations. A 10% global tariff under Section 122 expires July 24. The U.S. plans to impose 10–12.5% tariffs on forced labor concerns, with overproduction tariffs still pending. South Korea faces potential combined rates exceeding the previously agreed 15%.