S. Korea To Raise Concerns With U.S. Over Curbs On Chipmakers' China Operations

South Korea’s top trade negotiator said recently that he would raise concerns about potential U.S. restrictions on chipmakers operating in China when he meets with U.S. officials in Washington for the third round of technical discussions in ongoing tariff talks, Cynthia Kim reported for Reuters.

South Korea is currently subject to a blanket 10% tariff—with an additional 25% country-specific duty temporarily paused for 90 days.

“I will pass on the concerns among those in the industry and take utmost care,” South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo told reporters before departing for Washington.

He was responding to questions about worries that the U.S. may adopt policies making it harder for foreign chipmakers to operate in China.

Yeo also said that Seoul may not adhere to the previously set July deadline, suggesting the talks could extend beyond July 8 due to political and economic uncertainties in the U.S.

South Korea, currently subject to a blanket 10% tariff—with an additional 25% country-specific duty temporarily paused for 90 days—agreed with the U.S. in their first round of talks in late April to aim for a trade deal reducing tariffs by July 8.

Yeo was appointed to the trade post earlier this month by President Lee Jae Myung, who won a snap election on June 3. During his campaign, Lee said there was no need to rush into a trade pact with the United States.