<h1>South Korea Seeks Exemption from US Tariff Hikes, Citing Fair Trade Practices and Economic Ties Under FTA</h1> South Korea has requested exclusion from the Trump administration's proposed tariff increases on trade partners, highlighting its low duties on American products under their free trade agreement. Deputy Trade Minister Park Jong-won made the appeal during meetings in Washington, emphasizing South Korean investments in the US economy. Concerns are rising as South Korea's economic growth forecast was reduced to 1.6% for 2025, partly due to potential US tariffs on semiconductors and cars. Acting President Choi Sang-mok convened officials to assess the impact and strategies, noting South Korea's $55.7 billion trade surplus with the US in 2024.