Trump’s Tariff Threat: South Korea Gears Up for a Trade Showdown

The presidential office announced that it will hold a response meeting with relevant ministries on Tuesday to discuss strategies for tariff negotiations with the United States. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington will impose 25 percent tariffs on South Korean goods but extended the deadline for talks.

Kim Yong-beom, presidential chief of staff for policy, will preside over the meeting at 1:30 p.m. The gathering will be attended by senior aides, the minister of government policy coordination, and high-ranking officials from the ministries of industry, finance, and foreign affairs.

During the meeting, participants are expected to review recent developments in the tariff negotiations and coordinate response strategies.

In a letter addressed to President Lee Jae Myung, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that 25 percent reciprocal tariffs will take effect on August 1, several weeks later than the initial deadline set for this week.

As part of coordinated efforts to address tariffs and other alliance issues, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo are currently in Washington. (Yonhap)