National interests first and mutually beneficial for U.S. tariff negotiations: Top office

Amid concerns over a lack of visible progress in the tariff negotiations with the U.S., the top office gave a briefing regarding the progress so far.

Negotiations are well underway, and various options are being considered.

Our Kim Do-yeon has our top story.

The Presidential Office says negotiations with the U.S., to reduce the announced tariffs, are underway, aiming for a mutually beneficial deal with national interests as the principle.

On Friday, Presidential Chief of Policy Kim Yong-beom and National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac gave a briefing following a high-level strategy meeting at the top office with Deputy Prime Minister for Finance Koo Yun-cheol and senior presidential officials.

This also came as Korea's industry and trade ministers met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington on Thursday local time.

"The two sides reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in strategic manufacturing sectors, including shipbuilding and semiconductors. We agreed to further detail that cooperation and reaffirmed our commitment to achieving a mutually beneficial deal before the August 1st deadline."

Negotiations are being pursued as a comprehensive package, spanning tariffs, investment, security, and government procurement, especially focusing on bilateral cooperation on chips, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries.

While concerns have been raised over a lack of visible progress, especially following the cancellation of a planned meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Koo and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as well as the National Security Advisor Wi not being able to meet his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio in person during his trip to Washington.

"There's been some talk of a breakdown in negotiations, but as you can see, discussions are ongoing across all fronts."

Officials noted that Korea's negotiating team is stationed in Washington and maintaining close contact with U.S. officials, including Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary Lutnick.

Another round of meetings is scheduled for Friday, Washington time.

Meanwhile, the Korean side is closely studying the recent U.S.-Japan deal — reportedly tied to a 550 billion dollar investment commitment — to better position itself in the ongoing negotiations.

Seoul is also assessing what terms were actually agreed to, as much of the content remains undisclosed.

Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.