South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo announced Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump appears to have initiated immediate tariff discussions with South Korea, Japan, and India, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Han noted that a virtual meeting between U.S. and South Korean officials concerning the Alaska LNG (liquefied natural gas) project is expected to happen soon. During an economic security strategy meeting, Han stated that he had thoroughly explained South Korea’s position on tariff matters to President Trump, who reportedly expressed satisfaction. He also pledged to personally reach out to Trump again if needed, especially to advance cooperation in LNG and shipbuilding sectors, Yonhap reported.

South Korea’s trade and industry minister recently highlighted the shipbuilding industry as a key bargaining chip in tariff negotiations with Washington. Seoul has expressed interest in participating in the Alaska LNG initiative—part of Trump’s push to expand U.S. gas exports—but has emphasized that any involvement depends on the outcome of detailed discussions with U.S. counterparts, citing concerns over the project's profitability.

Meanwhile, Seoul’s First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun told lawmakers Monday that the Trump administration has not yet initiated talks about renegotiating the cost-sharing agreement for U.S. troops stationed in South Korea. However, preparations for a range of potential outcomes are underway, he added.

Trump has indicated that military cost-sharing could become part of a wider agreement involving not just defense but also trade and tariffs, revealing that he recently discussed Seoul’s financial contributions for U.S. military presence during a call with Han.