SEOUL, Feb 11 (Reuters) - South Korea's Trade Minister

Cheong In-kyo said on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald

Trump's 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports due to come

into force in March would reduce U.S. steel demand and erode

steel exporters' profitability.

He said, however, the tariffs may offer opportunities

for Korean companies to find new export markets.

South Korea will "actively consider" whether there is

room for negotiation on the tariffs with the United States, even

though Trump

raised tariffs

on steel and aluminum imports on Monday to a flat 25%

"without exceptions or exemptions".

Cheong was speaking at a meeting with officials from

steel companies in Seoul.