Readout of Ambassador TAI’S meeting with South Korea’s Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today met with South Korea’s Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo. During the meeting, Ambassador Tai underscored the importance of fully utilizing the committees and groups under the U.S.-Korea (KORUS) Free Trade Agreement to address and resolve bilateral issues.  Ambassador Tai also addressed the importance advancing a shared agenda through our KORUS engagements in areas such as worker rights and inclusion.

Ambassador Tai and Minister Yeo exchanged views on the numerous challenges facing the regional and global trading order. Ambassador Tai underscored her desire to increase bilateral engagement on several priority areas with the goal of improving the livelihoods of our citizens and the environment.  They emphasized the importance of working closely together to strengthen supply chain resiliency, including in the area of semiconductors.  They expressed a shared commitment to work toward a successful 12th Ministerial Conference and discussed the importance of reaching an agreement on fisheries subsidies. They also exchanged views on how to achieve a more relevant and reformed WTO in the future.

Noting the offer of the United States to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2023, Ambassador Tai underscored the strong commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration to the welfare of the Indo-Pacific region and in partnering with Korea in this effort.