U.S. demands action on non-tariff barriers

Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Rick Switzer on Thursday. This undisclosed meeting resumed in Korea one week after they had met in the U.S. The key agenda was the non-tariff barriers included in the joint fact sheet the two sides announced last November. U.S. President Donald Trump had kept of reinstating tariffs on Korea, citing delays in investment in the United States.

As the National Assembly moves to fast track related legislation, immediate tensions appear to have eased. But pressure still remains. Washington continues to call on Seoul to lower non tariff barriers, including on U.S. auto imports and digital regulations.