South Korean official: A trade framework agreement may be reached with the United States before August.

[Korean official: Trade framework agreement with the U.S. possible before August] South Korea's top trade envoy said on Monday that it is possible to reach a "principled" trade agreement with the United States before the August 1 deadline, suggesting that South Korea may be open to expanding market access for agricultural products. South Korea's Minister of Trade Negotiations, Yoo Han-koo, stated that Korea is seeking to avoid "unfair" tariffs imposed by the U.S. on key sectors of its industry, which would undermine industrial cooperation with its main security ally and trading partner. "I believe it is possible to reach a principled agreement in the U.S. tariff negotiations and then take some time for further negotiations," Yoo Han-koo said, "20 days is not enough to formulate a perfect treaty that includes all the details." "We need to make strategic judgments regarding agriculture and livestock," Yoo Han-koo said, noting that 'sensitive' areas may need continued protection, but some aspects could be seen as part of the overall framework. ( Jin10 )