韩产业通商部长官：美国已启动上调对韩关税的行政程序，没有妥协的意愿

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. has announced an increase in tariffs on South Korean goods from 15% to 25%, prompting urgent discussions between South Korea's Minister of Trade and the U.S. government, but no resolution has been reached [1][8][12]. Group 1: Tariff Increase and Negotiations - U.S. President Trump has initiated the administrative process to raise tariffs on South Korea, despite South Korea's claims of improved mutual understanding [1][2]. - South Korean Minister of Trade, Kim Jong-hwan, returned from the U.S. without achieving the goal of halting the tariff increase, indicating a lack of compromise from U.S. officials [2][8]. - The U.S. has expressed regret over delays in South Korea's legislative process regarding trade agreements, which has contributed to the tariff increase [2][12]. Group 2: Trade Agreements and Legislative Challenges - South Korea is working to implement a trade agreement with the U.S. that includes a commitment to invest $350 billion in strategic sectors, but this agreement has not yet been approved by the South Korean National Assembly due to political divisions [5][12]. - The ruling Democratic Party believes that the trade agreement does not require National Assembly approval, while the opposition party argues for the need to complete legislative procedures first [12][13]. - Trump has criticized the South Korean National Assembly for not fulfilling the agreement, leading to the tariff increase on various products [12]. Group 3: Comparison with India and Broader Trade Strategy - On February 2, Trump announced a trade agreement with India, reducing tariffs from 50% to 18%, highlighting a contrasting approach to South Korea, a U.S. ally [6][9]. - Analysts suggest that the U.S. is applying stronger tariff pressure on South Korea to expedite investment commitments, comparing it to Japan's pace [6][13]. - To mitigate the impact of increased tariffs, South Korea is seeking to expand trade partnerships, including negotiations for a second phase of a free trade agreement with China [7][13].