Overview
- U.S. agencies are consulting on whether to publish President Trump’s proposed increase of reciprocal and sectoral tariffs on South Korean goods from 15% to 25% in the Federal Register, with no notice issued yet.
- South Korean parties agreed to create a 16-member special parliamentary panel to expedite a “special law” enabling a US$350 billion U.S.-bound investment pledge, with leaders targeting passage within weeks.
- Trade envoy Yeo Han-koo said Seoul will push for a one‑to‑two‑month grace period if a tariff notice is published, arguing publication is unnecessary because Korea is making good‑faith progress.
- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun’s meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio produced no tariff breakthrough, as the U.S. readout focused on cooperation in civil nuclear power, nuclear‑powered submarines, shipbuilding and critical minerals.
- Recent outreach by senior Korean officials, including talks with Commerce and USTR offices, has yet to reverse the tariff push, though Seoul continues to underscore its investment commitments and legislative timeline.