Customs agency meets with local steelmakers over US tariff measures

This photo shows a meeting with local steelmakers to discuss countermeasures in response to U.S. tariffs on steel imports, provided by the Korea Customs Service (KCS), April 24. Yonhap

The Korea Customs Service (KCS) said Thursday it has held a meeting with local steelmakers to discuss countermeasures in response to the latest U.S. tariff actions targeting foreign steel imports.

During the meeting held Wednesday, members of the Korea Iron and Steel Association voiced concerns over the growing inflow of illegally underpriced steel products amid heightened trade tensions following the Donald Trump administration's tariff policies.

On March 12, the U.S. government began imposing a 25 percent tariff on all steel imports as part of its broader strategy to reduce trade deficits and support domestic manufacturing. In addition, Washington abolished duty-free import quotas previously granted to South Korea and other countries.

At the meeting, the KCS briefed industry representatives on its current enforcement efforts, including inspections targeting violations of origin labeling rules and attempts to evade antidumping duties.

"We will push forward with effective policies to protect the domestic industry, based on the input and concerns shared during the meeting," a KCS official said.