Deputy trade minister angles for 'mutually beneficial' path amid Trump's tariff pressure

Moving on.

Both a South Korean government delegation and a business delegation are seeking talks with relevant American officials in the U.S., as the Trump administration prepares a broader blanket of tariffs on its trading partners.

Lee Seung-jae has more.

South Korea's Deputy Minister for Trade Park Jong-won arrived in the United States on Monday, where he's set to meet with a number of officials at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representatives.

Upon arrival, Park stressed the importance of holding the talks, especially as U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies affect all of America's trading partners.

"I believe America's major trading partners around the world are all affected. So I think that our country also needs to be even more careful in negotiating with the United States."

Park also said that he would seek "mutually beneficial" discussions during his talks in Washington by listening to what the U.S. has to say and explaining Seoul's positions.

He also noted that talks on the tariff issue may continue following his visit, raising speculation that Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun could also visit the U.S. for high-level talks.

Amid growing concerns over the impact Trump's tariffs may have on South Korea's economy, a business delegation led by the chairman of SK Group and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chey Tae-won will visit Washington for a two-day trip starting Wednesday.

It will mark the first visit by a Korean business delegation since the Trump administration took office last month.

The Korea International Trade Association also plans to send a ten-member delegation to a number of southern states next month, to promote South Korea's investments in the region.

The Federation of Korean Industries is also looking to send a delegation to the U.S.

Faced with Trump's aggressive trade policies, South Korean businesses are expected to seek strategies to mitigate the risk of operating in the U.S.

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.