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Industry minister arrives in Washington to discuss tariffs with U.S. commerce secretary

Published: 29 Jan. 2026, 11:57 Updated: 29 Jan. 2026, 19:21

Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks at the Korea-Canada industrial cooperation forum in Toronto on Jan. 26. [YONHAP]

Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan has arrived in Washington to meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and discuss bilateral trade issues following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of plans to raise import tariffs on Korea, sources said Thursday.

The visit comes as Trump announced earlier this week that he will raise "reciprocal" tariffs and auto duties on Korea back to 25 percent, citing Seoul's lack of progress in the legislative process in ratifying a tariff deal between the two countries, which was finalized in October.

Kim told reporters upon arriving in the U.S. capital that he will meet with Lutnick on Thursday to call for a "favorable" resolution to the ongoing situation and explain Korea's past efforts to uphold the trade deal.

"As far as I understand, [the Trump administration] appears to be dissatisfied with how the domestic legislative process has been progressing," he said.

"President Trump made remarks to that effect," added Kim, stressing that Secretary Lutnick, too, appeared to hold such a view when they spoke recently.

The minister will also hold meetings with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and other officials to discuss energy and resource cooperation between the two countries. It did not mention whether a natural gas project in Alaska will be discussed.

The U.S. has renewed its pressure on Korea to participate in the Alaska project, with Trump saying last week that the U.S. secured funding for the project through trade deals with Korea and Japan.

"We will work in close coordination with the domestic industries and relevant government ministries to consult with the U.S. side for resolving pending trade issues and continuing mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries," Kim said in a press release.

Yonhap