Presidential office to consult on U.S. trade probe

Mar 12, 2026, 10:01 am

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The presidential office is seen in Seoul, with the national flag flying, a day before the administration’s return to the compound in December last year. /Park Sung-il

South Korea’s presidential office said March 12 that the government will actively consult with the United States to ensure the country is not placed at a disadvantage following Washington’s decision to launch a Section 301 investigation into alleged unfair trade practices by 16 economies, including South Korea.

“The government will actively consult with the U.S. side so that the balance of benefits secured under existing Korea-U.S. tariff agreements is not undermined and that South Korea receives treatment no less favorable than other major countries,” the presidential office said in a statement.

The response came after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced the launch of a Section 301 investigation targeting 16 economic entities.

The presidential office noted that the United States had previously indicated it would attempt to restore existing tariffs through the Trade Act after a court ruling invalidated certain reciprocal tariffs.

Officials said the government had anticipated the move and plans to respond calmly while coordinating details with Washington.

The Section 301 investigation is widely viewed as part of the Trump administration’s effort to rebuild its tariff framework after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that reciprocal tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s National Assembly is expected to pass the “Special Act on Strategic Investment Management between Korea and the United States” later in the day.

Following the bill’s passage, the government is expected to accelerate investments in the United States and highlight the effort during tariff negotiations with the U.S. administration.

Earlier, after the Supreme Court ruling on reciprocal tariffs, the government pledged to continue implementing previously agreed trade arrangements with Washington, including a plan to invest $350 billion in strategic industries in the United States.

President Lee Jae-myung also reaffirmed the commitment to bilateral tariff negotiations during a meeting with senior Democratic Party advisers last month.

“The tariff negotiations between Korea and the United States are promises made between our two leaders,” Lee said. “We will steadily move forward while coordinating schedules between the two countries.”

#Section 301 investigation #South Korea US trade #Trump administration tariffs