Economy

Trump's Final Call: Korea's High-Stakes Trade Negotiations Hang in the Balance

High-Level Talks Between Korea and U.S. Reach Critical Juncture

In a revealing interview with Fox News, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shared that Korean trade negotiation officials made an unexpected trip to Scotland to meet with him and U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer. "The Koreans flew to Scotland after dinner to meet me and Greer," Lutnick mentioned, highlighting their eagerness to finalize the negotiations.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (Reuters)

All Eyes on President Trump's Decision

Lutnick emphasized that while the groundwork has been meticulously prepared, the final decision rests with President Donald Trump. "Everything is ready. My role is to prepare the table for the president, and the president decides what to do," he stated. This underscores the pivotal moment these negotiations have reached, with Trump's verdict being the only remaining hurdle.

What's at Stake for Both Nations

The commerce secretary also touched on the varying degrees of market access offered by different countries, noting, "There are countries that have given us full market access. Some give a little less, some a little more." This statement sheds light on the complexities and high stakes involved in the ongoing trade discussions between Korea and the U.S.