Seoul: South Korean companies urged the government Monday to seek eased U.S. tariffs on strategic industries and improvements to the U.S. visa program for Korean workers, a major business lobby said. The request was made during a seminar hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), attended by Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and executives from a number of leading businesses, including Hyundai Motor Co., LG Group, HD Hyundai, POSCO International Co., CJ Group, Lotte Group, and Hanwha Group, according to the KCCI.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee Kye-in, chair of the KCCI's international trade committee, stated that much of the uncertainty has been alleviated through recent Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations and a bilateral summit, despite ongoing tensions from a series of U.S. tariff actions and trade policies. He highlighted recent visa issues faced by Korean workers at Hyundai Motor's battery plant construction site in Georgia as examples of unexpected challenges that can arise.

Participants in the seminar emphasized the urgent need for tariff deferrals or exemptions for strategic sectors, such as shipbuilding and nuclear power, where U.S. supply chains remain incomplete and Korea's domestic supply chains can provide support. They also expressed concerns that expanding tariffs on key sectors, such as semiconductors, would inevitably impact price competitiveness.

On July 30, Seoul and Washington reached a framework deal under which the U.S. agreed to lower "reciprocal" tariffs on Korean products and reduce auto tariffs to 15 percent from 25 percent in return for Korea's pledge to invest US$350 billion in the U.S. and other commitments. However, the auto tariffs have yet to be lowered.

Earlier this month, U.S. immigration authorities detained over 310 South Korean workers in a crackdown at the Georgia site, stating they were found to be working illegally, many on short-term or recreational visas that prohibit employment. The workers were released on Sept. 11.