The first day of tariff talks between South Korea and the United States in Washington, following President Trump's recent threat to raise duties on Korean goods, ended without an agreement on January 29, 2026. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick agreed to reconvene the next day amid tensions over delays in implementing a bilateral trade deal.
The first meeting on January 29, 2026 (local time), between South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington concluded without an agreement. The two sides agreed to resume talks the next morning.
After the meeting, Kim told reporters, "We had extensive talks and agreed to meet again tomorrow morning." He added, "We have not yet reached a conclusion." Asked if he had prevented the Trump administration from raising tariffs on South Korean autos, lumber, and pharmaceuticals from 15% to 25%, he replied, "(We were) not at the point of saying whether it was prevented or not prevented."
The talks follow Trump's January 26 announcement threatening higher tariffs due to delays in Seoul's legislature approving a July 2025 trade deal. Under that agreement, South Korea pledged $350 billion in U.S. investments for tariff reductions on Korean goods, which the U.S. implemented while awaiting Korean ratification.
During his Washington visit, Kim plans meetings with other Trump officials, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo is also traveling to discuss tariffs with U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer.
The negotiations underscore escalating bilateral trade frictions, with Seoul reaffirming its investment commitments.
