Choi urges bipartisan cooperation for breakthrough, citing global tariff war

▲ Acting President Choi Sang-mok chairs a Cabinet meeting at the government complex building in Seoul on Jan. 31, 2025. (Yonhap)

acting president-bipartisan cooperation

Choi urges bipartisan cooperation for breakthrough, citing global tariff war

By Kim Han-joo

SEJONG, Feb. 4 (Yonhap) -- Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday called for bipartisan cooperation to achieve what he described as a "breakthrough for a turnaround," citing a prolonged economic downturn worsened by the latest U.S. tariff policies.

"The global tariff war is intensifying," Choi said while presiding over a Cabinet meeting.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose steep tariffs on Mexico, Canada and the European Union, raising concerns about the potential impact on South Korea's export-dependent economy.

Since President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of a short-lived martial law and his subsequent arrest, rival parties have been deadlocked over key issues, including major bills and a possible supplementary budget.

"The government and both ruling and opposition parties must recognize the urgency of the situation and work together to find a breakthrough for a turnaround," Choi said.

He pointed out the country's exports declined for the first time in 16 months in January while retail sales also fell, signaling a significant domestic slump.

"The frustration and hardship faced by small business owners, ordinary citizens and our companies are beyond words," he added.

Choi announced the government will begin implementing a "livelihood and economic response plan" for the first quarter starting later this week.

The plan focuses on closely monitoring economic conditions on a weekly basis and swiftly implementing at least one meaningful improvement measure each week, according to the finance ministry.

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