By John Meyer, consultant in business – Eurasia Business News, October 16, 2025. Article no. 1829.

The top South Korean official, Kim Yong-beom, chief presidential policy adviser, expressed optimism about the ongoing U.S.-South Korea tariff talks on October 16, 2025. He indicated a positive outlook for finalizing the trade deal, stating that the U.S. government—including its Treasury, Commerce Department, and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative—has been in close communication with South Korea on the issue.

Kim, along with Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, was set to travel to Washington for follow-up negotiations aimed at resolving disagreements over South Korea’s $350 billion investment pledge tied to tariff reductions. Both sides have reportedly narrowed differences, particularly regarding financial market issues and the form of investment (credit guarantees and loans versus direct cash infusions).

The negotiations are expected to conclude around the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in late October, where South Korean President Lee Jae Myung plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to seal the deal. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also indicated that the talks are close to completion with expected progress in the coming days. South Korea is seeking safeguards such as a currency swap to mitigate financial risks associated with large direct investments. Overall, the talks, stalled for months, now show significant progress and renewed hope for a near-term agreement.

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South Korea is a strong and reliable ally of the United States in East Asia, with the two countries deeply committed to a future-oriented strategic alliance. Following the recent summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Lee Jae Myung, both nations have reaffirmed their pledge to closely cooperate on regional security, especially concerning North Korea. South Korea plans to reclaim wartime operational control of its military within five years, signaling growing confidence while maintaining strong U.S. defense commitments, including extended nuclear deterrence.

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© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1829