Washington: South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington as South Korea aims to address President Donald Trump's recent threats to increase tariffs on the Asian nation. The talks are part of Seoul's efforts to manage the potential economic impact of these proposed tariff hikes by the U.S.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting occurred eight days after President Trump threatened to raise reciprocal tariffs, alongside auto, lumber, and pharmaceutical levies on South Korea, from 15 percent to 25 percent. The threat was attributed to delays in South Korea's legislative process needed for implementing a bilateral trade agreement. Cho and Rubio were anticipated to deliberate on the tariff concerns and the implementation of agreements outlined in a joint fact sheet published by both governments in November.

Prior to his departure to the U.S., Cho informed reporters of his intention to clarify South Korea's legislative procedures concerning the trade deal and to seek understanding from the U.S. This legislative process involves a special bill submitted by South Korea's ruling Democratic Party to the National Assembly in November, which aims to support the execution of Seoul's investment commitments under the bilateral trade agreement.

The bilateral deal obligates Seoul to invest US$350 billion in the U.S. in exchange for a reduction in reciprocal tariffs on South Korean goods from 25 percent to 15 percent. During the meeting, Cho was also expected to discuss potential cooperation on Seoul's pursuit of civil uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing rights for peaceful purposes, a move supported by the U.S. as per the joint fact sheet.

Furthermore, Cho is set to participate in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial on Wednesday, hosted by Rubio. This meeting aims to reinforce and diversify supply chains for critical minerals, essential for the production of high-tech military and consumer products. This initiative comes amid Washington's increased efforts to collaborate with allies and partners to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities and risks posed by China's dominance in critical minerals, including rare earth elements.