Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Minister JK (Jung-Kwan) Kim and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) traveled to Washington D.C. on March 6, 2026, for discussions with U.S. officials on tariffs and other trade matters. The visit followed a recent court ruling against tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and sought to reduce uncertainty over U.S. tariff policy while advancing implementation of the Korea–U.S. tariff deal.

Minister Kim met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to share Korea’s progress in implementing the tariff deal and discuss legislative efforts to enact a special law for investment in the United States. The two sides also discussed strengthening strategic investment cooperation. Minister Kim reiterated Korea’s position that the bilateral tariff deal must continue to be effectively upheld as the United States advances tariff measures following the IEEPA ruling, including under Section 122 of the Trade Act and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.

On the same day, Trade Minister Yeo met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss the implementation plan of the non-tariff commitments set out in the joint factsheet issued on November 14, 2025. The two sides agreed to convene a Joint Committee under the Korea–U.S. FTA at a mutually agreed time to finalize the plan. They also discussed developments related to Sections 122 and 301 of the Trade Act. Trade Minister Yeo reiterated the Korean government’s position that the Section 301 petition filed by U.S. investors of Coupang should not negatively affect bilateral trade relations.

Going forward, MOTIR will continue its constructive consultations with the United States on key trade issues to help maintain a stable trade environment and minimize uncertainty for Korean companies.