SKorea prepares support measures as US tariffs loom

On April 2, Trump introduced a blanket tariff on imports to the United States and higher tariffs against "worst offenders", including a 25 per cent duty on imports from South Korea, to come into force on Wednesday.

South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo said last week the government would prepare support measures for the auto sector and seek negotiations with the Trump administration.

South Korea's exports to the US hit a record high of $US127.8 billion ($A213.4 billion) in 2024, with automobiles - the top-selling product - accounting for 27 per cent of the total.

On Monday, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and other policymakers also reviewed a response strategy ahead of Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo's visit to the US.

Cheong's upcoming visit will be the fifth senior-level visit from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy since Trump took office.