Trump Hikes South Korea Tariffs to 25% Over Trade Deal Delays
Trump Hikes South Korea Tariffs to 25% Over Trade Deal Delays
Trump raises tariffs on South Korean autos, lumber and pharmaceuticals to 25, citing Seoul's delay in enacting the historic trade agreement and its investment pledge.
In a move aimed at pressuring South Korea to push forward a historic trade pact, President Trump announced a 25% tariff on a broad swath of South Korean goods, arguing that Seoul’s legislature has not enacted the agreement. The administration framed the tariff hike as a tool to ensure Seoul fulfills its side of the deal, which includes a pledge of substantial investment in the United States.
The tariffs target South Korean autos, lumber, and pharmaceuticals, restoring the 25% level for certain products that had previously been reduced under the pact. The shift signals a tougher line as Washington seeks faster ratification and implementation of the agreement, which has been the subject of lengthy political debate across both capitals.
Trump stressed that the move is warranted because the Korean Legislature hasn’t enacted the historic trade agreement, which he described as a prerogative of Seoul. The decision effectively uses tariff leverage to compel progress on a deal that Washington has characterized as offering vast investment opportunities, including a reported pledge in the hundreds of billions.
Analysts and lawmakers will now be watching for Seoul’s response and for how lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic react to the renewed pressure. The next steps hinge on whether the tariff stance translates into concrete action toward ratification and how businesses adjust to the higher duties in the meantime.
