Key facts
- South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan will visit Washington D.C. from July 22 to 25.
- The minister's agenda includes meetings with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
- Discussions will focus on strategic South Korean investment in the U.S., resources, energy, and trade.
- The visit occurs ahead of a U.S. announcement regarding potential tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act.
- This Section 301 investigation concerns trade practices linked to forced labor and could increase tariffs on South Korean exports.
South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan is set to visit Washington this week for discussions on trade and investment cooperation with senior U.S. officials. The trip, scheduled from July 22 to 25, comes as South Korea prepares for a potential U.S. announcement on additional tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act.
During his visit, Kim plans to meet with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to address strategic South Korean investments in the United States and other bilateral matters. He is also scheduled to engage with Energy Secretary Chris Wright to explore cooperation in resources and energy sectors, and will conduct outreach with members of Congress regarding trade and investment issues.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resource stated that Seoul aims to implement tariff agreements with Washington and maintain stable bilateral trade relations. The impending U.S. decision stems from a Section 301 investigation into trade practices associated with forced labor, which local media reports suggest could result in increased tariff pressure on South Korean exports.