SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — In the midst of growing concerns over the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies, South Korean officials have taken a bold step by requesting to be excluded from the proposed tariffs on trade partners. The request was made by Deputy Trade Minister Park Jong-won during his visit to Washington this week, where he met with officials from the White House, the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
The South Korean Trade Ministry stated that Park emphasized the significant contributions South Korean companies make to the U.S. economy through their large-scale investments, and highlighted the fact that South Korea already imposes low duties on free trade partners like the United States. He urged for South Korea to be exempted from the proposed tariffs, which aim to establish reciprocal duties and raise tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.
This request comes at a critical time for South Korea, as the country’s top economic think tank, the Korea Development Institute, recently slashed its growth forecast for the second time since November. The institute expressed concerns over the impact of President Trump’s trade policies on global trade, and specifically on South Korea’s economy.
The state-run institute projected a growth rate of 1.6% for South Korea’s economy in 2025, which is 0.4 percentage points lower than its previous estimate. While the economists at the institute believe that the proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum will not have a major impact on South Korea’s economy, they are worried about the potential increase in duties for other key exports such as semiconductors and cars, which could significantly hurt the country’s trade-dependent economy.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who is also South Korea’s finance minister, called a meeting with trade and foreign policy officials on Friday to discuss the potential impact of the proposed tariffs. He instructed officials to closely monitor and analyze how other major economies, including the European Union, Japan and China, are responding to Trump’s trade policies. He also urged them to effectively communicate South Korea’s position to the U.S. officials.
One of the key concerns for South Korea is its trade surplus with the U.S. which reached $55.7 billion in 2024. According to the South Korean trade ministry, the country’s tariff rates on U.S. manufacturing imports are already at zero percent. This further emphasizes the fact that South Korea is not unfairly benefiting from its trade relationship with the U.S. and should not be targeted with tariffs.
South Korea has been a strong ally of the U.S. for decades, and the two countries have a long-standing free trade agreement that has been mutually beneficial. In fact, the U.S. is South Korea’s second-largest trading partner, and any disruptions in this relationship could have negative consequences for both economies.
It is understandable that the U.S. wants to address its trade deficit and protect its domestic industries. However, imposing aggressive tariffs on its trade partners, especially those with whom it already has a favorable trade relationship, may not be the most effective solution. Instead, it could lead to retaliatory measures and further destabilize the global economy.
In light of these concerns, South Korea’s request to be excluded from the proposed tariffs is a strategic move that aims to protect its economy and maintain a strong relationship with the U.S. It is important for both countries to continue to engage in constructive dialogue and find mutually beneficial solutions to address any trade imbalances.
As a country that has emerged as a global economic powerhouse, South Korea has shown resilience in the face of economic challenges. It has consistently ranked among the top countries in terms of economic growth and has a strong track record of innovation and competitiveness. By working together with the U.S. and other global partners, South Korea is confident that it can overcome any hurdles and continue on its path of economic success.
In conclusion, South Korea’s request for exclusion from the proposed tariffs is a testament to its commitment to maintaining strong and mutually beneficial trade relationships. It is a step towards finding a solution that benefits both countries and promotes global economic stability. As a long-time ally and partner, South Korea hopes that the U.S. will consider their request and work towards a positive resolution for all parties involved.
