Seoul: PM meets with presidential chief of staff and ruling party chief to address U.S. tariff threats and domestic delivery service regulations. During the meeting, DP Rep. Jung Chung-rae emphasized the urgent need for the swift passage of a special bill aimed at easing concerns among South Korean companies. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, the Democratic Party (DP), and the presidential office to ensure the success of the Lee Jae Myung administration.

According to Yonhap News Agency, tensions have escalated following last month's threat from former U.S. President Trump to raise reciprocal tariffs, including on auto, lumber, and pharmaceutical products, from 15 percent to 25 percent. This move was attributed to delays in the parliamentary process to pass a special investment bill, which is critical for implementing a trade agreement between the two countries. The agreement entails a commitment from South Korea to invest US$350 billion in the U.S., in exchange for the U.S. lowering reciprocal tariffs on South Korean products from 25 percent to 15 percent.

During Sunday's meeting, officials also deliberated on the government's and the DP's initiative to relax restrictions on dawn delivery services for large discount store chains. Rep. Jung highlighted the necessity of rationalizing regulations on online delivery by major retailers, citing the convenience for the public and the need to bolster the competitiveness of the local retail industry.

Earlier this month, the DP introduced a bill allowing big-box store chains to operate online businesses round-the-clock, facilitating overnight delivery services. This proposal aims to establish "win-win" strategies for both offline stores and online shopping platforms. However, the legislative move has faced opposition from labor groups due to concerns over increased nighttime work hours.