South Korea, China, and Japan have revived high-level economic dialogue after a five-year hiatus, pledging to strengthen regional trade collaboration amid escalating US protectionism. The trilateral meeting in Seoul on Sunday centred on shared concerns over unilateral tariff measures, particularly US President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of 25% import duties on vehicles and automotive components.
South Korean Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun highlighted the urgency of reinforcing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a multilateral trade framework involving 15 Asia-Pacific economies.
“It is necessary to strengthen the implementation of RCEP, in which all three countries have participated, and to create a framework for expanding trade cooperation among the three countries through Korea-China-Japan FTA negotiations,” he stated.
The ministers’ discussions coincided with Trump’s announcement of tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, effective April 3. Analysts warn these measures could disproportionately affect South Korea and Japan, which collectively account for over 20% of global vehicle exports to the US. South Korea ranks as the world’s second-largest exporter of vehicles to America, trailing only Mexico, while Japan follows closely.
Historical tensions—including territorial disputes and Japan’s contentious release of treated Fukushima wastewater—have long complicated trilateral relations. However, shared vulnerabilities to US trade policies have prompted renewed collaboration.
China’s role accents its objective to mitigate US influence by deepening regional alliances and institutional ties.
The automotive sector faces acute risks, with tariffs targeting passenger vehicles, light trucks, and critical components such as engines and transmissions. Global supply chains, reliant on cross-border sourcing, are also under threat. South Korean officials reiterated that protectionism “is not the answer,” urging reforms to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to safeguard multilateral trade norms.
The ministers concluded by reaffirming support for the WTO and agreeing to convene their next meeting in Japan.