South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo called on officials Thursday to intensify efforts to alleviate the burden of U.S. tariffs, following President Donald Trump’s decision to pause the implementation of reciprocal duties on most countries—excluding China, which remains subject to a 125% rate.

Speaking at a ministerial meeting, Han described the news as “somewhat comforting” and emphasized that South Korea must take advantage of the 90-day suspension period to accelerate trade negotiations. “We must redouble our efforts to rid ourselves of the burden of these tariffs by making progress in all negotiations over the next 90 days,” he stated.

Han revealed that he had spoken with South Korea’s ambassador to the United States and urged for proactive dialogue with various American agencies. The goal, he explained, is to ensure that South Korea is positioned favorably in the ongoing reevaluation of trade policies and to secure long-term stability for South Korean exports.

The temporary tariff break, announced by Trump, spares nations that have not retaliated against U.S. measures and opens a limited window for diplomatic engagement. The administration’s decision to exempt countries other than China signals an opportunity for allies to renegotiate terms and avoid further economic disruption.

Han’s comments reflect a broader urgency among U.S. trading partners to solidify new agreements during the temporary pause. For South Korea, which maintains close economic and security ties with the U.S., the next 90 days may prove critical in shaping the future of bilateral trade relations.

As officials in Seoul prepare for intensive talks, the South Korean government is expected to coordinate closely with exporters and domestic industries to build a comprehensive strategy aimed at tariff relief and economic resilience.