SEOUL, February 05 (AJP) - South Korea’s trade minister Yeo Han-koo on Thursday urged swift passage of a special law to support investment in the United States, warning that delays in the National Assembly risk being misinterpreted in Washington as a lack of commitment.
Speaking after returning from Washington, Yeo said progress on the bill has slowed, raising concerns that the United States could see this as reluctance by Seoul to carry out agreed tariff measures.
During his visit, Yeo said he stressed that South Korea intends to implement the tariff agreement “faithfully and swiftly,” adding it would be undesirable for Seoul’s good-faith efforts to lead to higher tariffs.
He called for closer coordination with lawmakers to speed passage while ensuring U.S. officials understand South Korea is working sincerely to meet its commitments. The situation must be managed carefully to prevent bilateral friction, he added.
Yeo said he did not meet U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the trip but held three rounds of talks with senior officials. He said he has spoken with Greer five times in recent weeks and plans further consultations.
Asked whether Washington could withdraw or delay planned tariff increases, Yeo said U.S. decisions are hard to predict but stressed the need for continued consultations even after the law is passed to avoid misunderstandings.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Jan. 26 that tariffs on South Korean cars, lumber, pharmaceuticals and other goods could rise to 25 percent from 15 percent, citing slow legislative progress on the investment bill.
Following Trump’s remarks, ruling and opposition parties agreed Tuesday to form a special parliamentary committee to speed passage of the legislation.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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