U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing directives to impose tariffs on imported washing machines and solar panels before signing it in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. January 23, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea’s government has asked the United States to hold bilateral talks as early as next week on tariffs Washington has imposed on imports of washing machines and solar panels, South Korea’s trade ministry said on Wednesday.

South Korea and China have condemned the steep tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, with Seoul saying on Tuesday it will complain to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the “excessive” move.

South Korea will ask the U.S. to “ease and withdraw” the measures, and will exercise rights under the WTO, the trade ministry said in a statement.