South Korea Seeks U.S. Tariff Exemptions Amid Trade Tensions

South Korea's Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun is visiting Washington to negotiate exemptions from the U.S.'s proposed 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automotive imports. His trip emphasizes the importance of bilateral cooperation in strategic sectors such as shipbuilding and energy, aiming to foster deeper economic ties amidst rising trade tensions under the Trump administration. Concerns are growing as South Korea's exports have recently declined for the first time in over a year, highlighting the urgent need for trade stability. Additionally, South Korean business leaders are taking proactive measures, including lobbying Republican states and hiring former Trump aides, due to frustrations with their government's response to the tariff threats. The political crisis in South Korea, compounded by the previous government's actions, has further escalated the stakes in maintaining a strong economic relationship with the U.S., given that nearly 20% of South Korean exports depend on the U.S. market. Ahn's visit represents a crucial effort to protect South Korean businesses while navigating the complexities of U.S. trade policies.