US President Donald Trump announced plans to raise tariffs on imports from South Korea, citing the South Korean legislature’s failure to implement a trade deal with the United States. According to Reuters, tariffs on South Korean goods, including automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceuticals, will increase from 15% to 25%.
On social media, Trump stated, “South Korea’s legislature is not living up to its deal with the United States.” He expressed his frustration, claiming that lawmakers in Seoul did not enact what he referred to as a “historic trade agreement,” which prompted the tariff hikes.
Currently, it remains unclear when these increased tariffs will go into effect, as both South Korea’s presidential office and the US Trade Representative have not provided immediate comments.
Last year, the two nations reached a trade agreement that reduced US tariffs on many South Korean exports to 15%. This deal also included Seoul’s commitment to invest $350 billion in vital US sectors.
Earlier this month, South Korea’s finance minister indicated that such investments were unlikely to commence until at least the second half of 2026, largely due to pressures from a weakening South Korean won, which has plummeted to levels not seen since the global financial crisis.
Trump’s two-term presidency has seen a pattern of using tariffs as a negotiating tool. He has occasionally announced increases that were later postponed or not implemented, a strategy economists warn creates instability for markets.
Under last year’s agreement, tariffs on South Korean cars and auto parts were also reduced from 25% to 15%, aligning them with Japanese competitors. Josh Lipsky, chair of international economics at the Atlantic Council, remarked that Trump’s decision reflects dissatisfaction with the slow pace at which South Korea is ratifying the agreement.
Lipsky noted, “It’s another reminder that expectations of tariff stability in 2026 were misplaced.” He added that while Trump may sometimes follow through with his announcements, the uncertainty itself carries costs.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/donald-trump-raises-us-tariffs-on-south-korea-imports-to-25-10496165/
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Publish Date: 2026-01-27 05:37:00
