Korea, U.S. to preserve tariff balance amid Section 301 forced-labor probes

The Korean government said it will work closely with the United States to maintain the balance of benefits under the existing Korea-U.S. tariff framework as the U.S. Trade Representative launches Section 301 investigations into imports linked to forced labor in Korea and about 60 other countries.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said USTR announced in the Federal Register that it has begun a Section 301 probe into forced-labor production in Korea and 60 other countries. The ministry added that USTR requested consultations with these nations, and Seoul has accepted the request.

The ministry stated that the government plans to engage with the United States to preserve the balance of benefits under the Korea-U.S. tariff arrangement and to ensure treatment that is not less favorable than that afforded to major economies.

The ministry noted that this is part of a series of Section 301 investigations, including an overproduction case announced yesterday and today’s forced-labor case, and that Korea will respond in a structured, systematic way.

It said it would establish a public-private coordination system, bringing together government, industry, and experts to respond to these investigations in a coordinated manner.

The report accompanying the article includes a photo showing containers piled at Pyeongtaek Port in Gyeonggi Province, a major gateway for Korea’s trade and logistics activity.

For U.S. readers, these U.S. Section 301 probes reflect Washington’s use of trade tools to address what it calls unfair practices, including forced labor in supply chains. The developments could influence sourcing and costs for American companies with ties to Korea, and potentially shape policy and markets across Asia and global supply chains.