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South Korean FM to Clarify Trade Deal Process to US Amid Trump Tariff Threat

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is traveling to Washington to provide a detailed explanation of his country's parliamentary procedures regarding a bilateral trade deal. This follows a warning from US President Donald Trump about potentially raising tariffs on South Korean goods due to legislative delays. Cho plans to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to seek understanding and ensure the implementation of agreements, including a $350 billion investment pledge. He downplayed concerns that the trade delay would affect separate negotiations on nuclear fuel capabilities.

Key Points: S. Korea FM to Explain Parliamentary Process to US on Trade Deal

  • S. Korea to explain parliamentary process to US
  • Trump threatened 25% tariff on Korean goods
  • Cho seeks understanding from Secretary Rubio
  • Deal involves $350B investment pledge
2 min read

South Korean FM Cho says to explain in detail South Korea's parliamentary process to US

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun heads to Washington to explain legislative delays on a trade deal after President Trump's tariff hike warning.

"I will explain in detail to the US side... that the agreements... are in the process of being legislated - Cho Hyun"

Seoul, Feb 3

South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Tuesday he plans to clearly explain to the United States parliamentary procedures in South Korea, after US President Donald Trump warned of a tariff hike citing a delay in Seoul's legislative process to implement a bilateral trade deal.

Cho made the remarks ahead of departing for Washington, where he is scheduled to hold talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as Seoul seeks to allay doubts among the Trump administration on Seoul's pledge to carry out USD 350 billion of investment in the US, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Trump's threat to raise the reciprocal tariff on South Korean goods to 25 per cent from 15 per cent has stoked concerns that the trade deal may be falling apart. Cho said earlier Trump's message does not mean the deal's collapse.

"I will explain in detail to the US side and seek their understanding that the agreements reached between the two governments are in the process of being legislated in accordance with our National Assembly procedures," Cho told reporters at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul.

"I plan to deliver the same message to the secretary, other US government officials and especially US Congress," he said.

Asked if the US may use the delay in the trade deal as leverage to push back the negotiations on expanding Seoul's uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing capabilities, Cho played down such a possibility.

"I will make sure we reach a good conclusion with Secretary Rubio to move in the direction of making efforts toward a swift implementation of the joint fact sheet," Cho added, referring to the summit document outlining the trade, security and other agreements.

Cho is flying to Washington to attend a US-led ministerial meeting of like-minded countries on critical minerals supply chains, set for Wednesday (local time).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see how other democracies handle trade pressures. Our parliament also has its own pace. The $350 billion investment pledge is huge! Hope South Korea manages this well. Trade wars help no one in the end.
R
Rohit P
From an Indian perspective, this shows why we need to be self-reliant in critical areas. The US is using trade as leverage on security issues (uranium enrichment mentioned). Atmanirbhar Bharat is the right path. We can't have our policies held hostage by foreign demands.
S
Sarah B
While I understand the need for diplomatic explanations, it's a bit concerning that a major ally like the US doesn't seem to understand or respect South Korea's domestic legislative process. Cho has a tough job ahead. Hope dialogue prevails over threats.
V
Vikram M
The timing with the critical minerals meeting is key. Everyone is scrambling for supply chain security. South Korea is a tech powerhouse, and the US needs its cooperation. Maybe the tariff threat is just negotiation tactics, but it creates unnecessary tension. 🤝 Diplomacy should be about partnership, not pressure.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the article could have provided more context on *why* the legislation is delayed in the South Korean National Assembly. Is it political opposition, procedural backlog, or substantive debate? Understanding that would help assess if the US frustration has some merit or is purely arbitrary.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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