South Korean official: Trade framework agreement with the United States may be reached before August

Odaily News South Koreas top trade envoy said on Monday it was possible to reach a in principle trade deal with the United States before an Aug. 1 deadline, and hinted that Seoul might be open to greater market access for agricultural products. South Korea is seeking to avoid unfair U.S. tariffs on key sectors of its industry that would undermine industrial cooperation with its main security ally and trading partner, said Yeo Han-koo, director general of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. 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 said. Twenty days is not enough to make a perfect treaty with all the details. We need to make strategic judgments on agriculture and livestock, Yeo said. Sensitive areas may need to continue to be protected, but some aspects may be considered part of the overall framework. (Kim Shi)