Acting President Choi Sang-mok said on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” threaten to undermine South Korean exports and destabilize global trade, warning that Washington’s protectionist turn could escalate into broader economic and security tensions. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Choi said the government would respond “cool-headedly and flexibly” to Trump’s plan to impose reciprocal tariffs starting April 2, which could hit key South Korean sectors including semiconductors, automobiles and batteries. He confirmed that South Korea will launch a working-level consultative body with the U.S. to negotiate tariff exemptions and strengthen cooperation in shipbuilding and energy.