South Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun has filed a request with the U.S. government to exclude South Korea from its new tariff plans. The two sides also discussed bolstering their partnership in strategic industries, such as shipbuilding and advanced industries. It marked the first visit to Washington by a ministerial official from Seoul since President Donald Trump took office last month. The trip came amid mounting concerns over the plan of the Trump administration to impose 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, and consideration of new tariffs on cars, chips and pharmaceuticals. The ministry said Ahn also met with Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who introduced a bill aimed at revitalising the U.,S. shipbuilding sector. The Korean industry minister discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy and trade. The meeting was held in Washington, D.C., according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. It was also held in Seoul, the ministry said, and was attended by Ahn’s wife.
