South Korea forms task force for U.S. trade talks

South Korea has launched a new task force to handle trade negotiations with the United States on tariffs and non-tariff issues in both the industrial and energy sectors, the Industry Ministry said Monday.

The task force includes officials from the trade, manufacturing, energy, and investment departments and will work with the private sector to form a coordinated strategy. Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo, who was appointed last week by President Lee Jae-myung, will lead the group.

Yeo said the team has an important role as businesses and the public have faced difficulties from U.S. tariff policies. South Korea is seeking relief from tariffs set by the Trump administration that impact key exports such as automobiles, steel, and semiconductors.

President Lee, who took office after a snap election on June 3, had earlier said there was no need to rush into a trade deal with the United States. However, after a recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, his office said both leaders agreed to work toward a deal that suits both sides.