Despite Postponement of '2+2 Talks', Trade Ministry Proceeds with Scheduled Agenda

Kim Jungkwan and Yeo Hankoo Proceed with U.S. Visit as Planned
Timing for Resumption of 2+2 Talks Under Negotiation

Yonhap News

While the '2+2 Finance and Trade Ministerial Talks' between South Korea and the United States have been postponed at the request of the U.S. side, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is proceeding with its scheduled trade agenda and maintaining contact with U.S. counterparts. Meetings with senior officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Department of Energy are taking place as planned, and discussions are underway to resume the postponed talks as soon as possible.

On July 24, the Ministry stated, "Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jungkwan and Trade Minister Yeo Hankoo are carrying out their planned schedule with senior U.S. government officials, including Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, USTR Representative Jamison Greer, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and National Energy Chairman Doug Burgum, from July 23 to 25 (local time)."

The 2+2 ministerial talks, originally scheduled for July 25, have been postponed due to an "urgent schedule" for Secretary of the Treasury Besent. However, the Ministry explained, "We are discussing with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and USTR ways to hold the 2+2 talks at the earliest possible date," adding, "The Korean side is responding to the trade agenda without any disruption."

During this visit to the United States, the Korean side had planned to make tariff reductions on major manufacturing items such as steel and automobiles a key agenda item in negotiations with the U.S. Since Japan previously agreed to a 15% tariff with the U.S. in exchange for market opening and energy cooperation, South Korea is also seeking a resolution within a similar framework.

Although the schedule for bilateral talks has been delayed, some note that this provides time to refine negotiation strategies. A Ministry official stated, "We are thoroughly preparing by continuing local engagement to ensure that the outcome aligns with Korea's industrial structure and sensitive items."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.