The Korea International Trade Association asked the U.S. Trade Representative to defer or lower proposed tariffs on South Korea over forced labor concerns.
KITA Chairman Yoon Jin-sik submitted the comment on July 6 to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. He requested that the United States defer any additional duties to allow discussion on bilateral cooperation.
If deferral is not possible, he asked that Korea's rate be reduced to 10 percent to match economies that have confirmed cooperation. Yoon noted that Korea strictly prohibits forced labor through treaties and domestic laws.
He added that the USTR report lacks evidence of specific cases linking Korean products to forced labor inputs or material injury to U.S. commerce.
