South Korea President Lee Meets Samsung, US Officials Amid Tariff Negotiations

South Korea's economy showed positive growth of 0.6% in Q2, helped by recovery in exports and domestic consumption despite weak investment and limited impact from US tariffs. President Lee Jae Myung has been actively engaging with key business leaders, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, to discuss trade and investment issues amid ongoing negotiations with the United States to avoid a 25 percent tariff on Korean goods set to take effect August 1. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac recently met with senior officials from the Trump administration, including the US Secretary of Commerce and Trade Representative, to support these trade talks, while a planned '2+2' meeting between finance and trade officials was postponed due to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's urgent schedule. Additionally, President Lee held a phone conversation with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to bolster bilateral cooperation in investment, AI, defense, and infrastructure, emphasizing the role of Korean companies in Qatar's development. These diplomatic and business efforts underscore South Korea's strategic focus on securing favorable trade terms with the US and expanding international partnerships. The combined diplomatic and economic outreach reflects Seoul's aim to strengthen its economy and global ties amid challenging trade dynamics.