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U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to raise tariffs on imports from South Korea to 25%, citing Seoul’s alleged failure to fully comply with a trade agreement reached the previous year.
In a social media statement, President Trump indicated the imposition of increased levies, rising from 15%, on a range of South Korean products, encompassing automobiles, lumber, pharmaceuticals, and “all other Reciprocal TARIFFS.”
President Trump asserted that South Korean lawmakers have been slow in approving the trade accord, while stating, “we have acted swiftly to reduce our TARIFFS in line with the Transaction agreed to.”
South Korean officials have stated they have not received official notification regarding the decision to increase tariffs on certain goods and are seeking urgent discussions with Washington on the matter.
Furthermore, it was reported that South Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, currently in Canada, is scheduled to visit Washington as soon as possible to meet with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The two nations reached an agreement last October, incorporating a commitment from South Korea to invest $350 billion (£256 billion) in the U.S., with a portion allocated to shipbuilding.
The agreement was submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly on November 26 and is currently under review. Local media reports suggest a likely passage in February.
Tariffs are conventionally borne by companies importing goods. In this instance, U.S. firms will be subject to a 25% tax on goods procured from South Korea.
Throughout his second term, President Trump has frequently employed tariffs as a strategic tool to effect foreign policy objectives.
On Saturday, he issued a threat to Canada, suggesting a potential 100% tariff imposition if the nation pursued a trade agreement with China.
Responding on Monday, Chinese officials affirmed that their “strategic partnership” agreement with Canada is not designed to undermine other countries.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that his country is not currently pursuing a free trade agreement with China and has “never” entertained such a proposition.
He further noted that Canadian officials have communicated their position clearly to their American counterparts.
Prior to this, President Trump had indicated the potential imposition of import taxes on eight countries – including the UK – that voiced opposition to U.S. plans to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and a member of Nato.
He subsequently retracted the tariff threat regarding Greenland, citing progress toward a “future deal” concerning the island. However, the episode strained U.S. relations with Denmark and other Nato allies.
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