Seoul says copper import restrictions will disrupt S. Korean investment in U.S.

The South Korean government has called on Washington to ease measures against South Korean copper imports, stressing that restrictions could hinder South Korean investments in the U.S.

The request comes as the U.S. Department of Commerce launched an investigation last month under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act to asses the national security implications of imports of copper and copper derivative products.

Section 232 specifically allows the U.S. president to impose import restrictions if imported goods pose a threat to national security.

South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stressed that South Korean copper products are not a threat but contribute positively to the U.S. economy and supply chain stability.

It added that copper tariffs could harm U.S. security and economy by increasing prices, weakening the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers, and cause supply chain disruption.