South Korean Official: Trade Framework Agreement with the U.S. Possible Before August

On July 14, South Korea's top trade envoy said on Monday that it is possible to reach an "in principle" trade agreement with the United States before the August 1 deadline, and hinted that South Korea may be open to expanding agricultural market access.

South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo said that South Korea is seeking to avoid the United States imposing "unfair" tariffs on key areas of its industry, which would undermine industrial cooperation with its main security ally and trading partner.

"I believe it is possible to reach an agreement in principle in the U.S. tariff negotiations, and then take some time to negotiate further," Yeo Han-koo said. "20 days is not enough to develop a perfect treaty containing all the details." "We need to make strategic judgments on agriculture and animal husbandry," Yeo Han-koo said, adding that "sensitive" areas may need continued protection, but some aspects may be seen as part of the overall framework. (Golden Ten)