Korean firms call for US tariff relief, visa reforms amid trade uncertainty

Korean companies urged the government Monday to seek eased U.S. tariffs on strategic industries and improvements to the U.S. visa program for Korean workers, a major business lobby said. The request was made during a seminar hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), attended by Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and executives from a number of leading businesses, including Hyundai Motor, LG Group, HD Hyundai, POSCO International, CJ Group, Lotte Group and Hanwha Group, according to the KCCI. In his opening remarks, Lee Kye-in, chair of the KCCI's international trade committee, said, "Much of the uncertainty has been alleviated through the recent Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations and the bilateral summit, despite lingering tensions from a series of U.S. tariff actions and trade policies." He added that, as shown by the recent visa issues faced by Korean workers at Hyundai Motor's battery plant construction site in Georgia, unexpected challenges can arise at any time. Participants said that tariff deferrals or exemptions are urgently needed for strategic sectors, such as shipbuildiWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times