U.S. - Korea Free Trade Agreement

November 6, 2007 - REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT THE WHITE HOUSE FORUM ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT

The White House Office of the Press Secretary
Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building
...As we expand trade in Latin America, we also need to pass a free trade agreement with a vital democratic ally in the Far East, and that's South Korea.  South Korea is the seventh-largest trading partner.  more

October 16, 2007 - KORUS FTA:  THE PATH AHEAD TO RATIFICATION

Remarks to the American Chamber of Commerce, Seoul
Good afternoon.  Thank you for having me here today to talk about the KORUS FTA.  It is great to be back in Seoul and to see all of you who provided such important input and support to us during the negotiations.  more

October 12, 2007 - President Bush Discusses Free Trade Agreements

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you for the warm welcome. It's great to be in Miami. I've been looking for my little brother. (Laughter.) He must have finally found work. (Laughter.) Just kidding, Jeb. more

• [Fact Sheet] Latin American and Korean Free Trade Agreements Vital to U.S. Economy and Security

July 26, 2007 - “Perspectives on the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement”
Remarks by Karan K. Bhatia

Thank you Judge [Morris]. And let me thank the Global Business Dialogue and Korea Economic Institute for inviting me to join you all at today’s program on what I believe is one of the most important trade initiatives before the country today. the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). more

June 2007 - U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement Benefits for Agriculture - General Fact Sheet

The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), now awaiting Congressional approval, will provide America’s farmers, ranchers, food processors, and the businesses they support with improved access to the Republic of Korea’s 49 million consumers.  If approved, this would be the most economically significant trade agreement for the U.S. agricultural sector since the North American Free Trade Agreement. more

June 30, 2007 - Remarks by U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab
The Signing of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement

As Prepared for Delivery
Thank you, Secretary Gutierrez, for your introduction and for being here this morning. What a great day for our two countries. What a great day for international trade. In just a few minutes, two nations, whose prosperity and economic dynamism rests in no small part to global trade and investment, will affirm their commitment to the free flow of commerce by signing a landmark free trade agreement. more

June 30, 2007 - U.S.-South Korean Free-Trade Agreement Signed

Bush praises pact, affirms resolve to expand visa waiver program
Washington -- The United States and South Korea signed a free-trade agreement (FTA) June 30 that aims to increase trade and investment flows between the two countries in economic sectors including agriculture, industrial and consumer products, automobiles and financial services. more

June 29, 2007 - Statement by U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab regarding the expiration and renewal of Trade Promotion Authority

"America needs to remain open for business to the 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside the United States.  American workers cannot afford for us to hang up a ‘Closed for Business’ sign.  The United States must be in the game and not on the sidelines as other nations negotiate deals that disadvantage our businesses, farmers, ranchers and service providers. more

June 28, 2007 - Free-Trade Pacts Might Gain Congressional Support, Official Says

Campaign planned to win backing for Colombia, Korea, Panama, Peru pacts
Washington -- A Bush administration official is optimistic that the U.S. Congress will approve free-trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, Peru and South Korea. “There is no doubt in my mind that Congress will pass each of them,” said Deputy U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) John Veroneau June 27. more

• Schwab statement on amendments to U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement

June 25, 2007 - USTR Schwab statement on
completion of text for bipartisan trade agreement

"On May 10, the Bush Administration and the bipartisan leadership of Congress agreed on a clear and reasonable path forward for congressional consideration of free trade agreements with Peru, Colombia, Panama, and Korea. more

June 14, 2007 - Remarks by U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab

U.S.- Korea Business Council Luncheon
Acknowledgements and Introduction
• Thank you Bill (Rhodes). I am pleased to be here with the private sector leaders of the U.S.-Korea Business Council.
• We are honored to have Ambassador Sandy Vershbow with us. He is a skilled and insightful diplomat who has been instrumental in helping us achieve success in the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
• I am also pleased that Ambassador Lee is here. He has been so eloquent in reminding us all of how this agreement will build on our 50-year bond as nations. 
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June 13, 2007 - The United States-South Korea FTA: The Foreign Policy Implications

Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary for Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Statement before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

Introduction

The United States’ relationship with South Korea is changing and growing. It is transforming into a mature, healthy and balanced partnership. One of the greatest examples of the dynamism in our bilateral relationship is the recently concluded United States-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (or KORUS FTA). more

June 13, 2007 - U.S. Free-Trade Pact with South Korea Would Enhance Partnership

Deal hinges, in part, on Korea opening market to U.S. beef, officials say
Washington – If approved by Congress, the free-trade agreement between the United States and South Korea (KORUS FTA) would help broaden and modernize the partnership between the two countries and anchor the U.S. presence in the most economically vibrant region in the world, U.S. officials say. more



June 13, 2007 - Statement by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns Regarding Progress in Expanding Beef Trade

"Recent developments are demonstrating that our constructive and steady discussions with our trading partners are showing positive results for future U.S. beef exports. I am gratified that progress has been made with three key nations. more



April 2, 2007 - United States, South Korea Conclude Free-Trade Agreement

President Bush submits pact to Congress for up or down vote, without amendment

Washington -- The United States has concluded a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the Republic of Korea, making it the latest such agreement reached under the president's trade-promotion authority (TPA), the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced April 2. more

• Fact Sheet: South Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement(KORUS FTA: April 23, 2007)

March 12, 2007 - AUSTR Wendy Cutler, Press Conference, Seoul, Korea

MODERATOR: Thanks to Mr. Han and Mr. Im from MOFAT for providing such nice press facilities through most of the rounds that we’ve had.  I appreciate it very much.  Same ground rules as normal.  We’d like to ask that you speak slowly and give your name and also the organization that you’re working for.  And we’re going to stick very firmly to the one-part question rule. more

January 19, 2007 - Transcript of Assistant USTR Wendy Cutler at the Closing Press Conference at 6th Round of US-Korea FTA Talks

AUSTR Cutler: And if I can add to the rules, if you ask more than one question, I’ll pick the question I want to respond to. As we conclude the Sixth Round of KORUS FTA talks, I think it is fair to say there was a new mood and spirit of intensity that characterized our work this week. I have spent more time with Ambassador Kim over the past few days than I have in any previous round – working diligently with him to address both the tough and easier issues remaining to be resolved.  more

December 28, 2006 - USTR Reports to Congress on U.S.-Korea FTA Progress

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative today submitted to the U.S. Congress a report regarding proposals currently being advanced in the United States-Korea FTA (“KORUS” FTA) negotiations related to the application of U.S. trade remedies laws.  Given the sensitivity of U.S. trade remedy laws, Congress has required that a report on this subject be submitted at least 180 days prior to signature of any FTA.  more

November 14, 2006 - U.S. and Korean Officials Meet on Pharmaceutical Issues in the KORUS FTA

On November 12-13, the Pharmaceutical/Medical Devices Working Group of the KORUS FTA met in Seoul, Korea to discuss issues related to the draft implementing regulations for Korea's Drug Expenditure Rationalization Plan (DERP).  While the United States respects Korea’s right to maintain its national healthcare system and supports its overall goals of reducing health care costs and supporting research and development, the United States remains concerned that the DERP, as currently proposed:  more

October 24, 2006 - U.S., Korea Aiming for Free Trade Agreement by Early 2007
Accelerated tariff cuts offered by United States in politically difficult negotiations

Washington -- The United States and South Korea are trying to conclude difficult free-trade agreement (FTA) negotiations by late 2006 or early 2007, the lead U.S. negotiator says.  Wendy Cutler announced at the October 23 start of the fourth round of negotiations on the Korean island Jeju that the U.S. side was submitting improved offers on agricultural and industrial goods to signal its determination to make progress.  more

August 2, 2006 - The Proposed South Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA)

On February 2, 2006, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Portman and South Korean Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong, announced their two countries’ intention to negotiate a Korea-U.S. free trade agreement.  more

July 14, 2006 - U.S., South Korea Make "Reasonable Progress" on Free Trade Talks
Two sides agree on schedules to phase out certain tariffs, U.S. official says

U.S. and South Korean negotiators made "reasonable progress" during the second round of talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) between their countries, according to Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Wendy Cutler.  more

July 14, 2006 - KORUS FTA - ROUND TWO CLOSING PRESS STATEMENT

Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Wendy Cutler
Thank you.  First, I would like to thank the Korean Government and the management and staff of the Shilla Hotel for doing such a wonderful job in hosting me and my delegation this week.  We wrapped up the second round of the KORUS FTA negotiations today. This was a busy week, with the teams working around the clock.  more

March 31, 2006 - U.S.-South Korea Trade Pact Could Benefit Women Entrepreneurs
Agreement could boost investment, business opportunities, U.S. envoy says

Successful negotiation of a U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could benefit both Korean and American female entrepreneurs by promoting economic growth and reform in Korea, says U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Alexander Vershbow.  more

March 7, 2006 - United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement: A Win-Win Proposition
Speech by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Wendy Cutler to the American Chamber of Commerce Seoul

Thank you, Wayne and Tami.  It is a real pleasure for me to be here speaking to you this afternoon at what I consider to be an historic moment in U.S.-Korean relations.  As Wayne said, I've been Chief Negotiator for the U.S.-Korea FTA since February 2.  more

February 2, 2006 - U.S., South Korea To Begin Bilateral Free-Trade Agreement Talks
Bush, USTR Portman say FTA would provide economic, political benefits

The United States and South Korea will open negotiations on a comprehensive bilateral free-trade agreement (FTA) to remove tariff and nontariff barriers and expand trade between their countries, according to Bush administration officials.  more