Koo Yun-cheol: "Uncertainty over U.S. tariff policy has increased... It could be either a plus or a minus"

[Financial News] Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy Koo Yun-cheol stated on the 23rd, in relation to the United States' tariff policy, that "the level of uncertainty in the situation is very high."
During an afternoon briefing to the National Assembly Planning and Finance Committee on the same day, Koo was asked to assess the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruling that reciprocal tariffs of 15% were unlawful. He replied, "From some perspectives, it could be a plus, and from others, it could be a minus."
He explained, "If the new global tariffs are raised to 15%, the level of the reciprocal tariffs, there may be little change compared with the previous situation." However, he added, "Since nothing has been finalized yet, it is difficult to speak in definitive terms."
When asked whether tariff negotiations remain effective, he answered that they are "still effective."
Regarding concerns that have emerged following the ruling, he said, "We have had sufficient time to respond," and added, "We have been preparing with various scenarios in mind." However, he noted that "it is difficult to disclose specific response measures at this stage."
On the possibility of positive effects, he said it was "hard to predict" and stressed, "We will assess the situation calmly and respond accordingly."
As for the potential impact if progress on the Special Act on Investment in the United States is hampered amid tariff uncertainty, he expressed concern that "it could be difficult for it to have a positive effect, as there is a risk it may be misunderstood as a failure to implement the Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)."
hippo@fnnews.com Kim Chan-mi Reporter