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The talks come amid heightened tensions after President Donald Trump earlier this month announced steep "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of trading partners, including South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. The administration has since paused implementation of the measures for 90 days, offering a window for diplomatic resolution.
Ahn Duk-geun, South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, is expected to lead the delegation to Washington, where he will meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
South Korean officials say the primary goal is to secure exemptions or reductions from the proposed tariffs, which they warn could significantly disrupt Korean exports.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the forthcoming discussions in an interview with Bloomberg on Monday, noting that Washington has already held talks with Vietnamese officials and will meet with Japanese representatives later this week.
"We had Vietnam in last week. We have the Japanese in on Wednesday... South Korea next week," Bessent said. "So it's going to move fast."
Bessent added that allies may benefit from what he described as a “first mover advantage,” noting, “Usually, the first person who makes a deal gets the best deal.” He declined to say which country would finalize an agreement first, stating, “It’s their choice.”
The Wall Street Journal also reported separately that Bessent has identified South Korea, Britain, Australia, India, and Japan as his top priorities for new trade arrangements.
As part of its strategy, Seoul is expected to present a roadmap addressing longstanding U.S. concerns over trade imbalances and non-tariff barriers.
These include regulatory restrictions on vehicle imports, offset requirements in defense procurement, and limitations on pet food containing ruminant ingredients — all of which Washington has cited as rationale for its tariff stance.
Still, some within the South Korean government are urging caution.
“With semiconductor and biotechnology issues still developing, it may be more advantageous to observe how other countries respond and proceed carefully,” one government official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Adding to the complexity is South Korea’s upcoming presidential election, which analysts say may limit Seoul’s negotiating flexibility in the short term.
“This is a moment of both risk and opportunity,” said Lee Ji-young, a trade policy expert at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy. “Much will depend on how quickly the parties can reach a mutually acceptable path forward.”
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