USTR holds closed-door meeting with US firms in Korea

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, right, poses with American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM Korea) Chairman and CEO James Kim following a closed-door meeting with U.S. businesses operating in Korea, Friday. Courtesy of AMCHAM Korea

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer held a closed-door meeting with more than a dozen U.S. businesses operating in Korea on Friday, during his visit to Jeju for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting, which concluded its two-day run that day.

Greer met with representatives from around 10 U.S. companies in Korea — including Coupang, Google, UPS, Bayer and Novelis — alongside U.S. Senior Official for APEC Matt Murray and American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Korea Chairman James Kim, to discuss issues such as the trade deficit and non-tariff barriers between the U.S. and Korea.

During the meeting, Greer described Korea as “forward-leaning” in advancing trade talks with the United States, despite the ongoing political uncertainty in the country.

“I view that as very positive for Korea,” the AMCHAM chairman told The Korea Times, declining to share details of the meeting as it was held under Chatham House Rule.

“(Greer) was very complimentary toward the Korean negotiation team.”

The companies also discussed various operational challenges they face in Korea with Greer, as well as issues arising from the recent U.S.-China agreement to suspend “reciprocal” tariffs for 90 days, which helped ease global trade tensions.