South Korean foreign minister urges “win-win” approach in tariff talks with US

South Korea’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Cho Hyun pledged on July 21 to pursue a “win-win” agreement in the ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States, calling for a broader, alliance-focused perspective as the deadline for steep U.S. duties looms.

Assuming office less than two weeks before reciprocal tariffs are scheduled to take effect, Cho said the bilateral negotiations should not be seen as a “zero-sum” game, but rather as an opportunity to strengthen the U.S.–South Korea alliance, Caliber.Az reports, citing South Korean media.

“I think we should work to find a win-win solution,” Cho told reporters ahead of his inauguration ceremony. “Our ministry should take a more macro-level view in shaping the future of our alliance with the U.S. We need to thoroughly examine all aspects of comprehensive packages.”

Tariff negotiations, Cho noted, are often framed as adversarial, but that approach need not define the outcome. “Based on my past experience, non-zero-sum outcomes are always possible,” he said. “I believe our ministry is well-positioned to help achieve such outcomes.”

The remarks come amid rising concerns in Seoul over Washington’s impending 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on South Korean exports, which are slated to take effect on August 1 unless an agreement is reached. The duties form part of a broader set of trade restrictions introduced by the Trump administration, including sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminium, and automobiles.

In an effort to defuse the situation, South Korea’s National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac is currently in Washington for a new round of negotiations—his second visit to the U.S. this month. Newly appointed finance and industry ministers, along with Foreign Minister Cho, are also planning visits to Washington in the coming weeks, though Cho noted that the exact date of his trip has not yet been set.

Seoul is seeking exemptions or at least partial relief from the U.S. tariff measures, aiming to protect key sectors of its export-driven economy while maintaining strategic relations with Washington.

During the press conference, Cho was also asked about his approach to sensitive historical disputes with Japan. He emphasised the need for patience and strategic dialogue.

When asked about his approach to the sensitive historical issues with Japan, Cho stated that simply hoping for change or exerting pressure on Tokyo would not lead to any meaningful progress.

By Vugar Khalilov