Donald Trump threatens to increase tariffs on South Korea. Seoul is waiting for explanations
The press office of the President of South Korea reported that “So far, there has been no official notification or clarification of details from the US government“.
The rest of the article below the video:
In response to the American president's announcement, the head of the presidential political staff, Kim Jong Bom, convened an urgent inter-ministerial meeting. Industry Minister Kim Jung Kwan, who is currently in Canada, plans to go directly to Washington to talk with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
The White House's decision was officially justified by the delayand the adoption by the South Korean parliament of a law implementing the bilateral trade agreement. The bill was submitted by the ruling Democratic Party in November, but the legislative process has not yet been completed. WITHAccording to the agreement, South Korea was to invest $350 billion in the United States. in exchange for a reduction in customs duties.
Pressure on Seoul regarding digital regulations
Authorities in Seoul confirmed that they had received correspondence from Washington addressed to Science Minister Be Kjung Hun. However, as the presidential office emphasized, the content of this letter was not related to tariff threats. According to the information provided, the main topic of the letter was a call to non-discrimination against American companies in the digital sector.
Local media suggests that pressure from the US may be related to South Korea's planned regulations on the digital market and the ongoing investigation into the American e-commerce company Coupang.
Read also: Puzzle in East Asia. A new stage in the relationship between two powers
Washington may view these actions as potentially discriminatory against American businesses.
The reaction of the South Korean authorities
During Tuesday's government meeting, South Korean President Li Jae Mjung expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow parliamentary work on the bill implementing the trade agreement. The authorities in Seoul emphasize that they are ready to talk with the American administration and are waiting for the official position on customs duties.
Read also: Poland and South Korea cooperate. Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz: this is the fulfillment of our promise
The situation remains dynamic, and South Korean officials are preparing for further negotiations with U.S. representatives.
