▲ Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks to the press at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. (Yonhap)

industry minister-Lutnick

Industry minister meets Lutnick for 2nd straight day to address Trump's tariff hike threat

By Song Sang-ho and Cho Joon-hyung

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for the second consecutive day Friday to address U.S. President Donald Trump's recent threat to raise "reciprocal" and other tariffs on South Korea.

Kim and Lutnick also met the previous day, but their talks concluded without an agreement.

The meeting came after Trump threatened on Monday to increase reciprocal tariffs and auto, lumber and pharmaceutical duties on South Korea to 25 percent from 15 percent, citing a delay in Seoul's legislative procedures supporting the implementation of the trade deal.

"I will do my best," Kim told reporters in response to a question about the key agenda items for the talks.

He is expected to underscore Seoul's commitment to fulfilling its investment pledge under a bilateral trade deal that was first struck in late July and finalized months later.

Under the deal, South Korea has committed to investing US$350 billion in the United States, among other pledges, in return for the U.S.' lowering of reciprocal tariffs on South Korea.

During his stay in Washington, Kim also plans to meet other senior Trump administration officials, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

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