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Key Points

South Korea is intensifying talks with the US to resolve trade barriers ahead of Washington's tariff announcement. The USTR report flagged 21 issues, including agricultural and digital trade restrictions. Seoul emphasizes progress under the KORUS FTA, with ministers engaging US officials. The government will analyze the report and continue negotiations to mitigate trade tensions.

Key Points: South Korea to Continue US Trade Talks on Non-Tariff Barriers

  • South Korea to negotiate US trade barriers under KORUS FTA
  • USTR report lists 21 non-tariff issues including agriculture and digital trade
  • Seoul highlights progress in easing trade restrictions
  • Ministers held talks with US officials ahead of tariff decision
2 min read

South Korea to continue negotiations with US on trade barrier issues

South Korea vows ongoing negotiations with the US on trade barriers ahead of reciprocal tariff announcements, addressing concerns under KORUS FTA.

"The government will work to address U.S. concerns over non-tariff measures through various communication channels. – Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy"

Seoul, April 1

The South Korean government will continue negotiating with Washington on non-tariff measure issues ahead of the planned announcement of U.S. reciprocal tariffs, the industry ministry said on Tuesday, shortly after the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) released an annual report on foreign trade barriers.

The government will work to address U.S. concerns over non-tariff measures with Washington through various communication channels, including working-level consultative bodies and the implementation committee of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said, reports Yonhap news agency.

Earlier in the day, the USTR issued the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE), which is expected to play a crucial role in the Donald Trump administration's announcement of country-by-country reciprocal tariffs, set for Wednesday (U.S. time).

The ministry said the report assessed South Korea more favourably compared to other U.S. trade partners, noting that some 80 percent of duties on bilateral trade in industrial and consumer goods have been eliminated under the KORUS FTA.

The 2025 report mentioned a total of 21 non-tariff barriers by South Korea, which increased from the previous year but is smaller in number compared with reports issued prior to 2023, the ministry explained.

The 21 barriers included sanitary and phytosanitary barriers on agricultural products, such as restrictions on U.S. beef products deriving from animals more than 30 months of age, and digital trade barriers, such as network usage fees, proposals to regulate online platform operators for fair competition and restrictions on the export of location-based data.

For the first time, the report also mentioned South Korea's defence offset trade program, under which Seoul has set certain conditions for foreign defence contractors to meet for defence industrial cooperation when they engage in key government procurement projects.

The ministry said the latest NTE report listed many issues already cited in last year's edition and that it has been working to address Washington's concerns.

Earlier this year, Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun and Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo visited Washington to meet with U.S. trade officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and USTR Jamieson Greer.

The government will closely analyse the NTE report to devise response measures, while continuing its tariff negotiations with the U.S., the ministry said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

J
James K.
Glad to see both countries continuing negotiations. The KORUS FTA has been beneficial for both economies - hope they can resolve these remaining issues without escalating tensions. 🤝
S
Sarah L.
The beef restrictions seem outdated - if the US beef meets safety standards, why limit imports based on cattle age? Free trade should mean free trade.
M
Minho P.
As a Korean business owner, I appreciate that 80% of duties are already eliminated. But the remaining 20% can still make a big difference for small companies like mine. Hope they keep negotiating in good faith!
T
Thomas R.
While I support free trade, I think the article glosses over some legitimate concerns about digital trade barriers. Data localization rules can be just as protectionist as tariffs.
A
Aera J.
Interesting that defense offsets are now part of the discussion. That's a complex issue that goes beyond simple trade numbers. Wonder how that will play out in negotiations...
D
David H.
The fact that the number of barriers decreased from pre-2023 levels shows progress is being made. Trade negotiations are always slow, but moving in the right direction! 👍

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