Link to the original article :
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/path/A2025051511230005382
By Nam Hyun-woo
Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Chairman Yoon Jin-sik and representatives from several Korean companies operating in the United States met with senior U.S. officials this week in Washington, calling for a tariff deferral or exemption for Korean firms that serve as partners in stabilizing U.S. supply chains.
The association said Thursday that Yoon and senior officials of Meta Biomed, Exicon, Iljin Group, Jusung Engineering, Doosan, Dongwon and SeAH Steel visited Washington D.C. from Monday to Thursday for their U.S. outreach campaign.
The delegation attended SelectUSA, a U.S. federal program aimed at promoting foreign direct investments, and met Trevor Kellogg, chief of staff for the International Trade Administration at the Department of Commerce.
“Korean companies have not only created quality jobs through active investment in the U.S., but have also made significant contributions to strengthen America’s advanced manufacturing capabilities,” Yoon was quoted as saying during the meeting.
“Korea has grown beyond a simple economic partner to become a force multiplier nation that plays a key role in supporting U.S. economic security.”
A force multiplier nation refers to a country having key technologies that can help revitalize strategic industries and enhance national economic security, particularly in sectors such as shipbuilding, semiconductors, batteries and nuclear power.
Referring to the ongoing U.S. Section 232 investigations into the impact of copper, semiconductor, pharmaceutical and other imports on national security, Yoon said that “a deferral or exemption of tariffs is required for Korean firms that serve as partners in stabilizing U.S. supply chains.”
Kellogg responded that Korean firms are key partners for fostering U.S. strategic industries, and said he is looking forward to a positive outcome. He also added that the Department of Commerce will pay close attention and make special efforts to help with professional visas to secure Korean talents.
The delegation also met Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Moore said he would arrange a dedicated roundtable to support Korean companies operating in the state, while Whitmer noted that her administration would explore measures to address the challenges facing Korean firms operating locally.
The delegation also conveyed Korean companies’ concerns over reduced investment incentives due to cuts in Inflation Reduction Act subsidies during a meeting with Rep. Pete Sessions. In a separate meeting with Sen. John Curtis, who sponsored acts to improve Naval and Coast Guard readiness, the delegation emphasized that Korea commands world-class shipbuilding technologies that could support efforts to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
KITA also held a networking reception on Tuesday. The event brought together more than 300 participants, including Rep. Joe Wilson, co-chair of the Korea Caucus. They engaged with Korean business leaders and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
