The Korean presidential office announced Thursday that Seoul and Washington reached a trade agreement setting 15 percent tariffs on exports to the United States, including Korean automobiles, ahead of an August 1 deadline. “The 25 percent reciprocal tariff that the United States announced will now be reduced to 15 percent,” said Kim Yong-beom, presidential chief of staff for policy, at a press briefing in Seoul. “Tariffs on automobiles, a key export item, have also been lowered to 15 percent.” Kim emphasized that Korea avoided concessions on agriculture, a politically sensitive issue. “There was strong U.S. pressure to open our rice and beef markets,” he said, “but considering food security and sensitivities, we agreed not to expand those imports.” He added that Korea was not treated unfairly compared to other countries in tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. Earlier that day, U.S. President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that the deal sets across-the-board tariffs at 15 percent. In return, Korea committed to investing $350 billion in the United States, in areas personally selected by Trump, including $100 billion in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other energy purchases. Trump also said a Korea-U.S. summit will take place at the White House in two weeks with President Lee Jae Myung. According to Kim, the $350 billion fund includes a $150 billion shipbuilding cooperation package covering ship construction, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and equipment — part of Korea’s “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again” proposal. The remaining $200 billion will support investments in sectors where Korean companies have global competitiveness: semiconductors, nuclear energy, rechargeable batteries, and biotechnology. “There’s a high possibility Korean firms will act as strategic partners,” Kim said, “This is a valuable opportunity for Korean companies seeking entry into the U.S. market.” President Lee echoed this in a Facebook post, calling the fund “a tool to accelerate Korean market entry” in key U.S. sectors. He added that the deal marks a “major breakthrough” for Korea, removing export uncertainty and creating conditions for Korean firms to compete on equal or even better terms with global players. (ICE SEOUL)

Fonte notizia: KOREA JOONGANG DAILY