South Korea has officially urged the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to reconsider its proposed tariffs on Korean products linked to forced labor concerns. Seoul describes the USTR’s proposal as “unwarranted” and “disproportionate” given South Korea’s specific economic context and efforts.
The South Korean Embassy in Washington recently submitted comprehensive comments to the USTR. This submission responds to the USTR’s plan to impose 12.5 percent tariffs on South Korea and dozens of other economies. These proposed tariffs stem from allegations that these nations have failed to adequately enforce import bans on products manufactured with forced labor.
These actions follow a broader USTR trade investigation, launched under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, into 60 countries including South Korea, China, and Japan. The investigation focuses on forced labor practices as the U.S. administration aims to replace “reciprocal” tariffs previously struck down by the Supreme Court in February.
“Korea shares the United States’ concerns regarding the pervasive use of forced labor in global supply chains and recognizes the critical need for its complete elimination,” the South Korean embassy stated in its official comments. “Nonetheless, Korea firmly believes that the proposed punitive action against it is unjustified and requires immediate revision.”
The embassy further asserted that the USTR’s conclusion from its trade investigation – that South Korea imports goods produced with forced labor and thereby harms U.S. commerce – lacks both a “factual basis” and “sufficient analytical depth” regarding the country’s unique situation.
Seoul also highlighted its proactive, “multifaceted” policies designed to prevent forced labor inputs. These initiatives include establishing a robust domestic legal framework, ratifying international obligations, and actively engaging the private sector to ensure the exclusion of forced labor goods from their supply chains.
Moreover, South Korea reiterated its unwavering commitment to the South Korea-U.S. joint fact sheet from the previous year. This significant document includes a mutual pledge to collaborate closely in combating the importation of goods manufactured through forced labor.
“Against this comprehensive backdrop, Korea maintains that the proposed trade action is disproportionate to its actual circumstances and should be thoroughly reconsidered,” the embassy concluded. “Korea reserves its fundamental position that any action by the United States against it is neither appropriate nor genuinely necessary.”
In the event the USTR determines that imposing tariffs is unavoidable, the embassy strongly appealed for South Korea to be granted “more favorable” treatment than initially outlined in the current tariff proposal.
