Seoul: The state-run trade promotion agency has announced the launch of a consulting program aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses in developing trade strategies following a recent trade agreement between Seoul and Washington. The program comes in response to the imposition of 15 percent tariffs on South Korean goods by the United States, a reduction from the initially proposed 25 percent.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) has established consulting desks staffed with customs and trade experts at its headquarters in southern Seoul. These desks began operations on Friday, coinciding with the implementation of the new tariff rates. The initiative is designed to assist small exporters in devising effective business strategies under the newly established South Korea-U.S. trade deal.

KOTRA President Kang Kyung-sung emphasized the importance of exporters developing comprehensive countermeasures in light of the confirmed 15 percent reciprocal tariff rate. To further support exporters, KOTRA has been operating a hotline since February, which has facilitated 6,023 consulting sessions as of last Friday.

In addition to the headquarters-based consulting services, KOTRA plans to offer on-site consulting programs across 12 major regions nationwide through September. These programs aim to enhance exporters' preparedness for challenges related to the new tariffs, thereby strengthening their positions in the international trade landscape.