Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun. (Photo: Hyundai Motor Group)

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun had a series of meeting with U.S. ranking administration and parliament officials to discuss on issues on the U.S. imposition of tariffs on automobiles.

Starting with meetings with U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson on Sept. 18, Executive Vice Chairman Chung made a call to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Sept. 19 and other administration and parliament officials. During the meetings, Chung delivered the Korean automobile industry‘s views on the United States’ move toward the imposing of tariffs into Korean-made automobiles in accordance with the Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act.

Executive Vice Chairman Chung asked for reciprocal treatment of Korean-made automobiles regarding the Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, citing the successful revision of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. He explained to the U.S. side Korea’s efforts as an important member of the U.S. automobile industry through the operation of plants in the United States and the current status of Korea-made automobile sales.

U.S. senior administration officials listened to Executive Vice Chairman Chung’s explanation and they said they would use it as a reference in an investigation in connection with the Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.

Executive Vice Chairman Chung embarked on the trip to the United States on Sept. 16, the first oversea appearance since he was promoted to executive vice chairman of the group. Chung’s meeting with U.S. senior government and parliament officials was based on his view that the private sector should join forces in solving pending trade issues, which would have a great impact on not only the Korean automobile industry but also the national economy, a Hyundai Motor Group official said.

Korea and the United States receive mutual no-tariff benefits on automobiles. Under an agreement on the revision of the Korea-U.S. FTA, Korea removed the U.S. worry on non-tariff barriers.

Executive Vice Chairman Chung toured Hyundai Motor’s plant in Alabama and Kia Motors’ plant in Georgia following the meetings with U.S. senior government and parliament leaders. He made an inspection into a production line of the New Santa Fe, which began to produce recently.