Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo in U.S. Holds Meetings with Government, Congress, and Think Tanks
- Input
- 2026-02-04 08:28:53
- Updated
- 2026-02-04 08:28:53
[Financial News]
Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo, who is visiting Washington, D.C. to seek solutions to trade issues between Korea and the United States, has been engaging extensively with officials from the U.S. government, Congress, industry, and major think tanks.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on the 4th, Yeo used this trip to meet with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and other administration officials, members of the United States Congress (US Congress), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and think tank representatives. Through this wide-ranging outreach, he sought to directly understand the background to the recent U.S. announcement on tariff increases and conveyed the Korean government’s commitment to faithfully implementing existing Korea-U.S. agreements.
He also outlined Korea’s position on the impact of the measures on both countries’ economies and industries, and stressed that the two sides should work toward a mutually beneficial solution through smooth consultations going forward.
In particular, Yeo visited the US Congress and held a closed-door meeting with about 20 lawmakers responsible for trade. He explained that, beyond special legislation procedures, existing Korea-U.S. agreements in non-tariff areas such as digital trade are being implemented in good faith, focusing on improving understanding within the U.S. administration and Congress.
On the occasion of this visit, he also delivered Korea’s views to the USTR regarding key concerns raised by U.S. industry during the government’s comment process for the National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE), which the USTR publishes annually at the end of March.
Yeo Han-koo stated, "To find a reasonable solution acceptable to both Korea and the United States, we will continue to hold intensive consultations with the U.S. government, Congress, and industry."
aber@fnnews.com Reporter Park Ji-young Reporter