Trump says US-South Korea trade deal nearly done
A trade agreement between the United States and South Korea may be completed soon, President Donald Trump said on Friday during a trip to Malaysia. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he stands prepared to finalize the arrangement if Seoul is ready to move forward with the framework established in July.
The two nations reached their initial accord in late July when South Korea pledged to invest 350 billion dollars in America. Washington agreed to reduce tariffs on Korean automobiles to 15 percent from 25 percent. The deal has not taken effect as negotiators work to resolve disagreements over funding the investment package.
Senior South Korean officials have made multiple trips to Washington in recent weeks to advance discussions. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan traveled to the American capital as Seoul pushes to complete the deal.
A senior American official said the United States wants to finalize terms once South Korea commits to appropriate obligations. Trump will visit South Korea and Japan after his stop in Malaysia.
