AsianFin -- South Korean officials will begin the first round of trade negotiations with their U.S. counterparts on Thursday, aiming to secure lower tariffs and strengthen cooperation in key sectors such as shipbuilding and energy. Discussions may also touch on shared defense costs, according to people familiar with the agenda.

Seoul is facing steep 25% reciprocal tariffs from the U.S. and is among the first nations to enter formal trade talks under the Trump administration’s tariff strategy. The move follows similar high-level talks with Japan last week, another key Asian ally recently hit with 24% duties.