Blue House, on 'US's plan to raise tariffs on EU cars': "Analyze impact and respond"

Blue House, on 'US's plan to raise tariffs on EU cars': "Analyze impact and respond"

On 'reduction of US forces in Germany': "Cooperate with US to ensure stable stationing of USFK"

Regarding US President Donald Trump's announcement of a plan to raise tariffs on passenger cars and trucks from the European Union (EU), the Blue House stated on the 2nd, "We will monitor related trends, analyze the impact on us, and respond accordingly."

A Blue House official said in a phone call with Yonhap News on this day, "The government has continuously monitored the follow-up situation of the tariff agreement between the US and the EU."

The official added, "Regarding the Korea-US tariff agreement, the government is frequently discussing follow-up measures with the US side through close communication, and will strive to ensure stable management of Korea-US trade relations."

Regarding the impact of President Trump's announcement on the market competitiveness of Korean products, he responded, "A government-level assessment of tariff agreements between other countries is inappropriate," and added, "We will respond under the principle of ensuring a balance of interests according to the existing Korea-US agreement and securing treatment that is not disadvantageous compared to other countries."

Previously, President Trump announced today that the EU is not properly implementing trade negotiations and that tariffs on passenger cars and trucks would be raised to 25% starting next week. This is essentially a return to the pre-trade negotiation level.

In this regard, it has been interpreted that this is virtually retaliation, as European countries such as Germany refused requests to dispatch warships and did not cooperate with the US in its actions against Iran.

Meanwhile, regarding the US Department of Defense's announcement to withdraw approximately 5,000 US troops stationed in Germany, the Blue House stated, "We are noting the review of global US military force posture and potential changes," and "We are closely cooperating with the US side to ensure that USFK can contribute to a robust ROK-US combined defense posture under stable stationing."

Senior Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong also mentioned in a briefing on the 30th of last month that "there are currently no discussions between Korea and the US regarding the reduction or withdrawal of USFK."