The US Trump administration's top trade negotiator, Jamieson Greer, is set to visit South Korea this week for the first time since taking office, raising expectations of progress as tariff talks between the two countries are underway.
Greer, the US Trade Representative, is scheduled to arrive here on Thursday for a two-day visit to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation trade ministers meeting to be held on the southern Jeju Island, according to government officials on Sunday.
During his visit, Greer is expected to hold talks with the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun or Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo, as well as other South Korean trade officials, on the sidelines of the APEC meeting.
Greer's trip comes as the two allies are engaged in high-level talks on a wide range of trade issues, with Seoul seeking an exemption from major “reciprocal" tariffs amounting to 25 percent, announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2 and paused on April 9 for three months.
These tariffs are in addition to the 25 percent tariffs Trump imposed on steel and aluminum starting March 12, automobiles from April 3 and auto parts from May 3.
His trip follows the “2+2” high-level talks held in Washington on April 24 between the two countries' finance and trade ministers. At that meeting, the two sides agreed to work out a so-called “July Package,” a comprehensive deal aimed at eliminating US tariffs on Korean exports before July 8, when Trump’s 90-day pause on his reciprocal tariffs ends.
Last month, Trump announced unprecedented reciprocal tariffs on most trading countries. While some countries -- the EU, China, Canada --- have retaliated, others -- the UK, Mexico -- have attempted to negotiate.
Working-level consultations have been ongoing, which have focused on a package deal that covers tariffs and nontariff barriers, economic security, investment cooperation and exchange rate policy.
All eyes are on whether Greer's meetings in Korea will yield progress. The momentum has been reportedly slow, as Washington is currently engaged in talks with 18 major trading partners, with a focus on China and India.
Observers say that Greer could lay out Washington’s specific demands at the upcoming visit and coordinate a timeline for future working-level talks.
Meanwhile, South Korea's presidential election will take place June 3.
sahn@heraldcorp.com
