APEC Trade Envoys Confront U.S. Tariffs

Trade envoys from the Asia-Pacific region gather in South Korea to discuss multilateral cooperation amidst the backdrop of U.S. President Trump's tariffs impacting APEC countries. The meeting covers topics like digital trade and sustainable growth, and aims to strategize on trade negotiations and WTO reforms despite political challenges.

Trade envoys from the Asia-Pacific region are convening in South Korea this week to strategize cooperation and counteract the effects of tariffs imposed by the United States under President Trump. Representatives from 21 economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will engage in two days of critical discussions starting Thursday on Jeju Island.

The APEC talks arrive as Trump's protectionist policies challenge global trade dynamics. With APEC accounting for half of the world's trade and 60% of its GDP, the discussions will focus on multilateral trade, revitalization, and WTO reform. Closed-door sessions are planned to address advancing free trade in Asia-Pacific, boosting digital commerce, and driving sustainable growth initiatives.

Alongside these negotiations, the U.S. and other APEC members aim to navigate bilateral trade complexities. The Trump administration's recent agreements, such as the one with Britain, set a backdrop for discussion, although skepticism remains about immediate progress, given South Korea's recent political shifts.

(With inputs from agencies.)