Seoul sets strategy for upcoming U.S. trade talks with finance and trade chiefs

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min.

Trade and finance chiefs will be sitting down with their U.S. counterparts in Washington in the coming hour.

Their focus is expected to be on addressing tariffs announced by the Trump administration, including the so-called reciprocal tariffs.

Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details.

As trade talks with the United States approach, the South Korean delegation has been making final preparations, holding a last-minute strategy session to review negotiation plans and assess potential scenarios.

On Wednesday local time in Washington, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun convened a meeting with the delegation focused on reaffirming the objectives of the upcoming talks and mapping out tailored responses based on anticipated responses from Trump's trade negotiation team.

The talks scheduled for Thursday will bring together South Korea's Finance Minister Choi, Trade Minister Ahn, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

This "2+2" format, which includes both finance and trade chiefs from each country, marks a significant expansion from the traditional bilateral finance ministerial meetings typically held.

Upon arrival in the U.S., Choi said that he aims to further strengthen the alliance between the two countries.

Ahn also spoke with reporters on Wednesday, outlining Seoul's primary objective: removing the reciprocal tariffs alongside separate levies on automobiles.

"Not long ago, a company like Hyundai Motor announced a large-scale investment plan in the U.S., so we intend to actively engage in discussions on that front to find a smooth and mutually agreeable solution to the issue."

When asked about whether the government's strategy has shifted in light of Washington's recent softening stance on tariffs, Ahn stated that the delegation plans to stick to what they have prepared.

He also clarified that defense cost-sharing is not on the agenda, despite Bessent's recent comments stating that trade and defense cost issues cannot be viewed separately.

As for what comes after the talks, Ahn explained that future discussions will be determined following Thursday's meeting.

Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.