South Korea’s Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun is scheduled to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting, which concludes Friday on South Korea’s southern island of Jeju.
The bilateral meeting follows closely on the heels of high-level trade consultations held in Washington three weeks prior, where both nations agreed to work toward a comprehensive “package” deal addressing key trade and economic cooperation issues by July 8.
The discussions are expected to build on the four priority areas identified during the Washington talks: tariff and non-tariff measures, economic security, investment cooperation, and currency policy. A primary objective for Seoul remains securing relief from U.S. tariffs, including a 25 percent reciprocal duty currently under a 90-day suspension.
As part of the broader agenda, USTR Greer held separate talks on Thursday with South Korean Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo to review ongoing bilateral trade matters and the status of U.S. negotiations with other global partners.
In a sign of deepening industrial ties, Greer also met with executives of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Jeju to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in shipbuilding. The sector has emerged as a focal point in Seoul-Washington trade discussions, particularly as the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump emphasizes revitalizing the domestic maritime industrial base. South Korea, a global leader in shipbuilding, is seen as a strategic partner in this effort.
Last month, U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan visited South Korea, touring HD Hyundai’s Ulsan headquarters and Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard. In a subsequent exclusive interview with Yonhap News Agency, Phelan expressed strong support for expanded collaboration with South Korean shipbuilders, citing it as a critical component of America’s efforts to strengthen its naval shipbuilding capabilities.
As trade representatives convene in Jeju, both sides are looking to lay the groundwork for a robust and mutually beneficial agreement ahead of the July deadline, amid growing emphasis on economic security and industrial resilience.
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