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Jan. 11 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s top trade negotiator departed for Washington on Sunday for talks with U.S. officials, lawmakers and industry as the United States Supreme Court prepares to rule on the legality of reciprocal tariffs.
Yeo Han-gu, head of trade negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, plans to visit Washington from Sunday through Wednesday, the ministry said. He is scheduled to hold meetings with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, the administration, Congress and business representatives.
Yeo said the trip is aimed at gauging U.S. government and industry sentiment ahead of the court ruling and preparing steps to minimize potential fallout for South Korean industry.
He also said he plans to explain the intent of South Korea’s domestic digital legislation, which has emerged as a trade issue between the two countries.
“It is necessary to explain the precise policy intent behind domestic digital legislation,” Yeo said, adding that South Korea should move early to prevent misunderstandings in Washington.
U.S. stakeholders including members of Congress and industry have raised concerns about South Korea’s digital legislation, the ministry said. It said Seoul plans to stress that the measures do not discriminate against U.S. companies or create unnecessary trade barriers.
During the visit, Yeo is also expected to discuss preparations for a Korea-U.S. free trade agreement joint committee meeting, including key agenda items and scheduling, the ministry said.
Yeo said stable management of the bilateral trade environment requires sufficient consultation and clear explanations by relevant ministries during the legislative process, including on digital rules.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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