South Korea's trade minister has asked his U.S. counterpart to exempt the country from reciprocal tariffs if they go into effect in April, the trade ministry said on Saturday. During his visit to Washington this week,

South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok urged top policymakers to prepare for possible market disruptions after President Donald Trump proceeded with plans to apply 25% tariffs on global steel and aluminum imports.

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized South Korea for imposing more unfair tariffs on American products than China. The President also criticized the country for issuing subsidies to foreign chipmakers like Samsung Electronics Co.

The South Korean government held talks with representatives of the administration of US President Donald Trump. Seoul is requesting the removal of tariffs on steel and aluminum for its industry, reports Reuters.

South Korea's Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo will visit Washington, D.C. from March 13 to 14 to discuss trade issues including reciprocal tariffs and investment projects with his counterparts, the trade ministry said on Wednesday.

Senior South Korean and US officials met in Washington to address trade issues including tariff measures, with both sides agreeing to continue dialogue.

Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo said Friday that he has called for the Trump administration to grant South Korea tariff exemptions and ensure the Asian ally will be treated in a "non-discriminatory" way.