[뉴스콤 장태민 기자] 한미 관세협상 팩트시트가 14일 공개된 가운데 일단 기존에 알려진 내용이 주축을 이룬다.

우선 3,500원불(2천억불+1500억불) 투자가 주 내용이다.

한국은 미국이 승인한 조선분야에 대해 1,500억불을 투자한다. 아울러 추가로 2천억불을 투자한다.

2천억불 추가 투자는 전략적 투자에 관한 양해각서(MOU)에 따라 이뤄진다.

한국은 그간 미국과 맺은 FTA에 따라 거의 관세를 물지 않다가 이제 관세를 15%나 물면서 예전엔 물지 않았던 엄청난 조공을 받치게 됐다.

■ 한국 대통령이 '사실상' 고백한 미국의 강압적 조공 요구

이날 이재명 대통령은 사실상 미국의 강압적 요구 앞에 매우 힘든 협상이었다는 점을 고백했다.

국제사회에서 힘이 없으면 강자의 요구를 거절하기가 쉽지 않다. 외교는 온갖 미사여구로 포장되지만, 실질적으로 중요한 것은 국력이다.

이 대통령은 이날 팩트시트를 발표하면서 "세계에서 힘이 관철되는 협상을 할 때마다 국제적 위상과 역량을 키워야 한다고 생각하게 된다. 힘을 키워 나가겠다"고 했다.

그는 "이번 협상은 정말 중요했고 난관도 많았다. 국제사회는 강제적인 규범도 없고 영원한 친구도, 우방도 없다"고 했다.

한국의 대통령은 "국제적인 역학관게에 밀려 국익 훼손에 대한 우려들도 많았다. 빨리 협상을 마무리하라는 식의 압박은 참으로 힘들었다"고 고백했다.

그는 "한 가지 말할 수 있는 건 국가 미래를 좌우하는 사안임에도 우리 의사가 이성적으로 관철되기 보다는 힘의 관계로 일방적 처리될 가능성도 높았다는 점"이라고 했다.

대통령의 이같은 소회를 듣는 한국인이라면 누구나 이번 협상에서 '약소국의 비애'(?) 같은 것을 느낄 수 있었을 것이다.

언론이 '최고의 협상' 등으로 포장하기도 하지만, 사실 냉정하게 말해 미국이 이기고 한국이 진 게임이다.

물론 한국에겐 질 수밖에 없는 협상이었으며, 그 피해를 최소화하는 게 관건이었다.

■ 트럼프, '호구 한국이 좋다'...한국 정부에게도, 기업에게도 알뜰한 삥뜯기

미국은 한국 정부에게서 3,500억불 투자를 요구한 뒤 기업들에게도 많은 돈을 뜯었다.

백악관 팩트시트는 3500억불 '플러스 알파들'도 기재했다.

백악관은 "한미 두 나라 정상은 한국 기업들이 지난 8월 트럼프 대통령 임기 중 총 1,500억 달러 규모의 미국에 대한 외국인 직접투자(FDI)를 발표한 것을 환영한다"고 적었다.

그러면서 대한항공(KAL)이 지난 8월 GE 에어로스페이스 엔진을 탑재한 보잉 항공기 103대를 구매한다는 발표를 한 것을 환영한다고 썼다.

보잉의 이번 계약 규모는 미화 360억 달러이며, 보잉 737 MAX 제트기, 787 드림라이너, 그리고 777X 여객기 및 화물기가 포함된다고 했다.

백악관은 "이를 통해 2025년까지 대한항공의 보잉 항공기 총 구매 대수는 150대를 넘어설 것으로 예상된다"면서 트럼프의 업적을 상세하게 기술했다.

한국 정부는 또 이번 관세협상에서 향후 4년 동안 원유·액화천연가스(LNG)·액화석유가스(LPG) 등 미국산 에너지 1천억달러를 수입하기로 한 상태다.

한국은 지난 경주 APEC 회의에서 트럼프에게 금으로 치장된 왕관과 무궁화 대훈장을 선물하면서 트럼프에게 최대한 아부를 해야 했다.

대신 트럼프는 겨우 '야구 빠따' 한 자루로 때웠다.

필자는 사실 트럼프가 메이저리그 팀 워싱턴 내셔널스의 별 볼 일 없는 신예선수 딜런 크루즈가 사인한 배트를 달랑 내미는 것을 보고 놀랐다.

트럼프는 그러면서 '너희는 진정한 협상가'라고 치켜세웠다.

트럼프가 한국처럼 쉽게 벗겨먹을 수 있는 '호구 나라'의 기를 살려주는 퍼포먼스를 한 것이다.

■ 향후 미국이 국방 관련 삥 뜯는 돈도 다시 확인해야

트럼프는 중국과의 대결에서 한국도 어느 정도 역할을 하길 바라면서 팩트시트에 이 내용도 집어넣었다.

백악관은 "양국은 대만 해협의 평화와 안정 유지의 중요성을 강조했다. 또한 양안 문제의 평화적 해결을 장려하고 현상 유지를 위한 일방적인 변화에 반대했다"고 적었다.

또 한국의 도움으로 미국이 가능한 빨리 미국 상선과 전투 준비가 된 미국 군함의 수를 늘릴 수 있다고 했다. 대한민국에서 미국 함선을 건조할 가능성도 있다고도 썼다.

그런 뒤 또 돈을 요구했다.

미국측은 우선 "가능한 한 빨리 국방비를 GDP의 3.5%로 늘리겠다는 대한민국의 계획을 공유했고, 트럼프 대통령은 이를 환영했다"고 적었다.

그러면서 "대한민국은 또한 2030년까지 미군 장비 구매에 250억 달러를 지출하기로 약속했다"고 적었다.

이날 국회에서 외교관 출신인 국민의힘 김건 의원이 '2030년까지 미군 장비 구매에 250억불 지출하기로 따로 나왔는데 뭔 말인가'라고 묻자 박윤주 외교차관은 "주한미군 공여 토지 등을 포함한 수치..."라면서 얼버무렸다.

백악관은 또 대한민국의 법적 요건에 따라 주한미군에 330억 달러 규모의 포괄적 지원을 제공하겠다는 계획을 공유했다고 썼다.

우리가 요즘 수천억 달러 등 큰 돈을 거론해서 그렇지, 330억불도 어마어마하게 큰 돈이다.

내년 한국의 AI 투자 예산 10조원의 4~5배에 해당하는 큰 돈이다. 그리고 이 돈은 연간 주한미군 주둔비 10억불의 30배가 넘는다. 이 돈은 어떻게 달라는 것인지 추후 확인해야 한다.

김건 의원이 또 '주한미군에 330억불 규모의 포괄적 지원을 제공하겠다는 계획은 뭔 말인가, 방위비 분담 외의 부담인가'라고 묻자 박윤주 외교차관은 "무기구매 등..."이라며 명확히 답하지 못했다.

■ 한미협상, 향후 어려운 미래 각오해야

트럼프는 동맹국에 대한 알뜰한 상술과 협박으로 이문을 챙기고 한국은 가짜 승리감만 얻었다.

한국의 정신승리 문화는 바뀌어야 할 것으로 보인다.

정청래 민주당 대표는 이날 "APEC도 역대급 성공이었지만 관세 협상 이 부분도 국익적인 측면에서 매우 잘 된 협상"이라고 했다.

여당과 정부의 많은 사람들이 한미관세합의에 대해 '우리에게 잘된 합의'라고 하지만, 냉정하게 얘기해 한국에게 유리한 합의는 절대 아니다.

불공정한 데다 미국에게 일방적으로 유리한 합의라고 해야 옳다.

한은 총재 등이 나서서 매년 미국에 조공으로 받칠 200억불까지는 마련하는 데 문제가 없다는 식으로 말했지만, 그게 그리 쉬운 일도 아니다.

앞으로 한국은 미국, 아니 '트럼프의 미국'에 의해 지금까지는 생각할 필요도 없었던 난이도 높은 수행평가를 해내야 하는 처지다.

◆ 참고자료: 백악관 발표 팩트시트 영어 원문

President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea (ROK) welcomed President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America (United States or U.S.) for a State Visit to ROK on October 29. This marks the first time in Korean history that a State Visit has been hosted in Gyeongju and follows on the two leaders’ first meeting in Washington on August 25. Notably, it is also the first time that the ROK has welcomed the same leader for a second state visit.

In light of President Trump’s historic 2024 victory and President Lee’s election demonstrating the ROK’s democratic strength and resilience, they declared a new chapter in the U.S.-ROK Alliance, the linchpin for peace, security and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region.

REBUILDING AND EXPANDING CRITICAL INDUSTRIES: President Trump and President Lee reaffirmed the historic announcement in July of The Korea Strategic Trade and Investment deal, which reflects the strength and endurance of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

Both leaders welcome Korean investments in various sectors to advance economic and national security interests, including but not limited to shipbuilding, energy, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence/quantum computing.

This deal includes $150 billion of Korean investment in the shipbuilding sector approved by the United States, which is referred to as the Approved Investments.

This deal also includes $200 billion of additional Korean investment committed pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding with respect to Strategic Investments (MOU), which is expected to be signed by representatives of the United States and ROK.

The United States will apply the higher of either the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (“KORUS FTA”) or U.S. Most Favored Nation (“MFN”) tariff rate, as applicable, or a tariff rate of 15 percent on originating goods of the ROK, for purposes of the reciprocal tariff provided under Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, as amended.

The United States will reduce its Section 232 sectoral tariffs on automobiles, auto parts, timber, lumber, and wood derivatives of the ROK to 15 percent. For such products of the ROK with a KORUS FTA or MFN tariff rate, as applicable, equal to or greater than 15 percent, no additional Section 232 tariff shall apply. For such products of the ROK with a KORUS FTA or MFN tariff, as applicable, less than 15 percent, the sum of the KORUS FTA or MFN tariff and the additional Section 232 tariff shall be 15 percent.

For any Section 232 tariffs imposed on pharmaceuticals, the United States intends to apply to originating goods of the ROK a Section 232 tariff rate no greater than 15 percent.

For any Section 232 tariffs imposed on semiconductors (including semiconductor manufacturing equipment), the United States intends to provide terms for such Section 232 tariffs on Korea that are no less favorable than terms that may be offered in a future agreement covering a volume of semiconductor trade at least as large as Korea’s, as determined by the United States.

The United States intends to remove supplemental tariffs imposed pursuant to Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, as amended for certain products identified on the list of Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners, such as generic pharmaceuticals, generic pharmaceutical ingredients, generic pharmaceutical chemical precursors, and certain natural resources unavailable in the United States. The United States will also remove tariffs on certain aircraft and parts of the ROK from the tariffs imposed pursuant to Executive Order 14257, as amended, by Proclamation 9704, as amended, Proclamation 9705, as amended, and Proclamation 10962.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET STABILITY: The United States and the ROK, in connection with their respective commitments included in the MOU, have thoroughly discussed the potential impact of the MOU on the foreign exchange market stability of the ROK. They have reached a mutual understanding that commitments in the MOU shall not be allowed to give rise to market instability. As trusted partners, the two nations agree that the ROK shall not be required to fund an aggregate amount of U.S. dollars greater than $20 billion in any calendar year. The ROK will use its best efforts, to the greatest extent possible, to source the U.S. dollars through means other than market purchases so as to minimize any potential impact on the market. Should it appear that the fulfillment of the commitments in the MOU may cause market instability, such as disorderly movements of Korean won, the ROK may request an adjustment in the amount and timing of the funding, and the United States will, in good faith, give due consideration to such request.

ENHANCING COMMERCIAL TIES: The two leaders welcomed a series of commercial commitments in strategic sectors, reflecting the confidence of the private sector in the strong bilateral economic partnership.

The two leaders welcomed the announcement in August by ROK companies of foreign direct investments in the United States totaling $150 billion during President Trump’s term. Both countries will use their best efforts to facilitate these investments.

The two leaders welcomed the announcement by Korean Air (KAL) in August of a purchase order of 103 Boeing aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. The Boeing commitment is valued at U.S. $36 billion and will include a mix of Boeing 737 MAX jets, 787 Dreamliners, and 777X passenger and freighters, bringing KAL’s total order in 2025 to more than 150 Boeing airplanes.

The United States and the ROK welcome the Buy America in Seoul initiative, whereby the ROK, in collaboration with the State Governments, will organize an annual exhibition featuring U.S. companies, including Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, to promote the export of U.S. goods into Korea.

PROMOTING RECIPROCAL TRADE: The two leaders recognized that the recently announced deal reflects a common goal to increase mutually beneficial trade and investment. In the spirit of the deal, the United States and the ROK will address non-tariff barriers and memorialize commitments and a plan of action to promote reciprocal trade, to be adopted by the KORUS Joint Committee before the end of the year. This will include but not be limited to the following:

The ROK will eliminate the 50,000-unit cap on U.S.-originating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)-compliant vehicles that can enter the ROK without further modifications. The ROK will also reduce regulatory burdens for U.S. automotive exports by not requiring additional documentation in its emissions certification process other than those submitted to U.S certification authorities.

The ROK will work together with the United States to address non-tariff barriers affecting trade in food and agricultural products, including by: ensuring that existing commitments under bilateral agreements and protocols are met; streamlining the regulatory approval process for agricultural biotechnology products and resolving the backlog of U.S. applications; establishing a U.S. Desk dedicated to requests for U.S. horticultural products; and preserving market access for U.S. meats and cheeses that use certain terms.

The United States and the ROK commit to ensure that U.S. companies are not discriminated against and do not face unnecessary barriers in terms of laws and policies concerning digital services, including network usage fees and online platform regulations, and to facilitate cross-border transfer of data, including for location, reinsurance, and personal data. Further, the United States and the ROK will support the permanent moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the World Trade Organization.

The ROK commits to provide additional procedural fairness provisions in competition proceedings, including the recognition of attorney-client privilege.

The United States and the ROK will work together to protect intellectual property rights. The ROK will continue to take the necessary steps to accede to the Patent Law Treaty.

The United States and the ROK commit to work together to ensure strong protection of internationally-recognized labor rights. The United States and the ROK will work together to combat all forms of forced labor globally, including by combatting the importation of goods made with forced labor.

The United States and the ROK reaffirm the importance of ensuring differences in environmental protection do not distort trade and investment. To this end, the ROK will effectively enforce its environmental laws to facilitate reciprocal trade, including by fully implementing the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

PROTECTING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY: The two leaders acknowledged the need to strengthen economic and national security alignment in order to preserve our competitiveness and maintain secure supply chains. This includes cooperation to combat duty evasion and taking complementary actions to address unfair and non-market policies and practices, enhancing inbound investment and outbound investment regulations, and both countries will ensure that international procurement obligations provide a benefit to those countries that have taken on the same commitments.

MODERNIZING THE U.S.-ROK ALLIANCE: The United States underscored its commitment to the defense of the ROK through the enduring presence of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

The United States reaffirmed its pledge to provide extended deterrence, leveraging the full range of its capabilities, including nuclear. The two leaders committed to strengthening cooperation through consultation mechanisms including the Nuclear Consultative Group.

President Lee shared the ROK’s plan to increase its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP as soon as possible in accordance with ROK legal requirements, which President Trump welcomed.

The ROK also committed to spending $25 billion on U.S. military equipment purchases by 2030, and shared its plan to provide comprehensive support for U.S. Forces Korea amounting to $33 billion in accordance with ROK legal requirements.

The two leaders committed to continue alliance cooperation toward the transition of wartime operational control. With the support of the United States, the ROK pledged to accelerate efforts to strengthen its military capabilities necessary to lead the combined conventional defense against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). These include acquisition of advanced U.S. weapons systems and expansion of bilateral defense industrial cooperation, including in high-tech weapons systems.

The United States and the ROK will enhance U.S. conventional deterrence posture against all regional threats to the Alliance, including the DPRK. The two sides affirm relevant understandings since 2006. Both sides will continue close consultation and report the progress on implementation to their leadership.

The United States and the ROK pledged to expand cooperation in cyberspace and outer space. The two leaders also reaffirmed their intention to continue working together on AI in the military domain.

COORDINATING ON KOREAN PENINSULA AND REGIONAL ISSUES: The two leaders committed to peace, security, and prosperity both on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two leaders reiterated their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and pledged to work together to implement the Joint Statement of the 2018 U.S.-DPRK Singapore Summit.

Both leaders agreed to coordinate closely on DPRK policy and called on the DPRK to return to meaningful dialogue and abide by its international obligations, including by abandoning its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs.

The two leaders committed to strengthen the trilateral partnership with Japan.

The two leaders reaffirmed efforts to uphold freedoms of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea. They reaffirmed that the maritime claims of all nations should comply with the international law of the sea.

They emphasized the importance of preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and opposed unilateral changes to the status quo.

FURTHERING OUR MARITIME AND NUCLEAR PARTNERSHIP: The United States welcomed the ROK’s commitment to contribute to modernizing and expanding the capacity of American shipbuilding industries, including through investments in U.S. shipyards and America’s workforce. The ROK welcomed the United States’ support for the ROK’s civil and naval nuclear power programs.

Both countries committed to collaborate further through a shipbuilding working group, including on maintenance, repair, and overhaul, workforce development, shipyard modernization, and supply chain resilience.

These initiatives will increase the number of U.S. commercial ships and combat-ready U.S. military vessels as quickly as possible, including the potential construction of U.S. vessels in the ROK.

Consistent with the bilateral 123 agreement and subject to U.S. legal requirements, the United States supports the process that will lead to the ROK’s civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful uses.

The United States has given approval for the ROK to build nuclear-powered attack submarines. The United States will work closely with the ROK to advance requirements for this shipbuilding project, including avenues to source fuel.

장태민 기자 chang@newskom.co.kr