Tariff talks tension continues rising as South Korea moves to avoid a looming trade crisis with the United States. Meanwhile, with a July 8 deadline approaching, Seoul has ramped up efforts to strike a deal. In particular, Yeo Han-koo returned as trade minister to lead this effort with Kim Hyun-chong’s strategic support. Both officials bring decades of experience from previous high-stakes negotiations. Therefore, their reunion signals South Korea’s serious push to resolve the tariff dispute.
Consequently, Yeo’s appointment brings credibility to South Korea’s strategy in Washington. He served as a top trade envoy under Moon Jae-in and helped shape major trade agreements. Similarly, Kim, a former deputy national security adviser, may now advise the president on global affairs. Notably, Kim met with US officials in May to gauge their stance on the tariffs. Together, they aim to break the deadlock that stalled talks in recent months.
Previously, the Trump administration imposed 25 percent tariffs in April, triggering a 90-day grace period. Without a deal, duties will rise from 10 percent to 25 percent, hurting Korean exports. Furthermore, tariff talks tension has grown as the deadline nears with no clear solution. Seoul fears major disruptions to its trade-reliant economy. Industry leaders warn of cascading effects on supply chains and jobs.
At his inauguration, Yeo promised swift and pragmatic diplomacy. As a result, he unveiled a plan to elevate Korea’s trade response team and intensify US engagement. Additionally, Seoul will boost the rank of its working-level negotiators to increase influence. Yeo stressed mutual dependence between both nations, urging a fair and lasting deal. He described this effort as a fresh start for bilateral trade.
Officials plan to resume technical discussions later this month. During those talks, they will cover trade imbalances, tariffs, and regulatory disputes. For instance, the US raised concerns about Korean restrictions on older US beef and digital data transfers. Meanwhile, South Korea seeks exemptions or reductions through a broader cooperation framework. Tariff talks tension remains high, but both sides signal willingness to continue talking.
Finally, the industry ministry commissioned an impact analysis from a state think tank. These results will guide Seoul’s response to anticipated US demands. As talks escalate, experts expect further rounds in coming weeks. Seoul believes that coordination across trade, energy, and industry can unlock progress. With the clock ticking, tariff talks tension drives urgency in Seoul’s corridors of power.
