Washington: Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun will visit the United States this week for talks with U.S. officials on Washington's impending tariffs and its listing of South Korea as a "sensitive" country, his ministry said Wednesday. Ahn is scheduled to be in Washington on Thursday and Friday, marking his second visit to the U.S. capital in just three weeks. The discussions will focus on the "reciprocal tariffs" the Trump administration plans to impose on April 2, aimed at addressing trade imbalances.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn intends to emphasize the significant contributions made by South Korean businesses to the U.S. economy, highlighting their role in job creation and investments. He will advocate for fair treatment of South Korea under Washington's new tariff scheme, urging nondiscriminatory practices that benefit both nations.

In addition to tariff discussions, Ahn plans to meet with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright to address concerns over South Korea's inclusion on the Department of Energy's "sensitive and other designated countries list." This designation has raised alarms about potential restrictions on scientific and technological collaboration between Seoul and Washington.

Ahn stated the importance of South Korea-U.S. cooperation in strategic industries, including shipbuilding, energy, and advanced sectors, and will request the U.S. to minimize any adverse effects on South Korean businesses stemming from U.S. tariff measures and other trade policies.