The local steel industry is seeking to actively cope with mounting trade pressure from the U.S. through joint efforts with the South Korean government. 

During a general meeting on Wednesday, the Korean Iron and Steel Association announced a yearly plan, in which the association outlined how it will counter the prospect Washington will impose higher import tariffs on South Korean steel exports. 

The association said it will deal with unfair trade measures against local steel exporters through joint efforts with the government, and try to correct the measures through multilateral trade channels such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Steel Committee.

The plan comes as U.S. President Donald Trump is mulling toughening the import of foreign steel products, including from South Korea, in accordance with the Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. Under the section, the U.S. president has the authority to adjust imports, including through the use of tariffs if excessive foreign imports are deemed a threat to national security.