Though Seoul says that “unnecessary misunderstandings” have been cleared up, observers warn that the two countries' discussions on tariffs — which narrowly concluded last October — once again enter a period of uncertainty as Washington moves to execute Trump's threat.
“I believe unnecessary misunderstandings have been resolved,” he told reporters upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport on Saturday.However, Kim conceded that U.S. “measures to raise tariffs [on Korea] have already begun.
”“They are preparing for publication in the Federal Register and for sanctions,” he said.The Korean government is seeking countermeasures.
The ruling Democratic Party’s chief policymaker Han Jeoung-ae pointed to late February to early March as the possible deadline.
“If the National Assembly follows the set timetable for the bill, I think negotiations between Korea and the United States will progress.
For instance, Trump has repeatedly said Korea would participate in an Alaska liquefied natural gas development project, but Korea has drawn a line, citing commercial viability.
This means that conflicts that erupt in the tariff sphere could affect diplomacy and security. »