Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol commented on the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling nullifying the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. He acknowledged the considerable uncertainty surrounding the situation but projected that South Korea might benefit from its free trade agreements (FTAs) with other countries. Koo noted that under the revised circumstances, if tariffs were to increase by 15%, South Korea's FTA tariff would remain at 0%, giving it an edge over countries that have a basic tariff rate of 2.5%. This perspective was shared during a parliamentary finance committee meeting, where Koo responded positively to suggestions regarding the potential advantages of FTAs, creating a sense of optimism about South Korea's trade positioning.

However, Koo cautioned about the high level of uncertainty in the situation, stating that while some aspects could be advantageous, others might not be. He emphasized the difficulty in predicting how the landscape will change following the Supreme Court's ruling, noting that reports suggest the U.S. may adjust based on trade laws rather than the ruling itself. Specifically, he indicated that the U.S. government's stance is still under investigation and requires careful monitoring to assess the impacts of these changes on trade.

In addition to discussing tariffs, Koo addressed ongoing negotiations with the U.S. regarding further market openings for agricultural products and the specific legislation needed to facilitate $20 billion in investments to avoid scrutiny under U.S. trade laws. He stressed the importance of timely legislative processes and keeping track of developments closely, ensuring South Korea's interests are protected amid these uncertain trade conditions. A related market situation check meeting was held earlier in the day, wherein discussions centered around the implications of the Supreme Court's ruling, observing a rise in U.S. and European stock markets and stability in the dollar index on the day of the ruling, suggesting a careful monitoring and strategic response is necessary going forward.