Acting President Choi calls for stronger US outreach amid rising trade concerns

Acting President Choi Sang-mok speaks during a meeting with ministers and senior officials on economic affairs at the government complex building in Seoul, in this photo provided by the finance ministry, Feb. 21. Yonhap

Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Friday instructed officials to more actively reach out to the United States and indicate the government's position on Washington's trade policy, amid growing concerns over escalating tariffs.

"We must actively engage with the new U.S. administration to effectively convey our stance and explore ways for cooperation," Choi said during a meeting with ministers and senior officials on economic affairs.

Concerns have been mounting over the lack of communication between the Korean government and the Donald Trump administration, which has been ramping up tariff measures against major trading partners.

Trump has already announced plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports starting March 12. Additionally, he is considering levying "reciprocal" tariffs on U.S. imports, along with duties on automobiles, semiconductors and other key products.

Choi also directed officials to closely monitor the response measures being taken by major economies, including the European Union, Japan and China, to the Trump administration's latest trade policies. (Yonhap)