Trump says he’s raising tariffs on South Korea to 25%

President Trump announced on Monday that he will be increasing tariffs on South Korea due to the nation’s failure to approve a trade deal that was agreed upon last year. The U.S. will raise its tariff on imports from South Korea from 15% to 25%, along with increasing levies on automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceutical goods from the country.

In a social media post, President Trump expressed his disappointment, stating that the Korean Legislature has not upheld their end of the deal that was made between him and President Lee. The trade and security agreement, reached after a meeting between the two leaders in Seoul, involved the U.S. reducing tariffs on South Korean products such as vehicles, car parts, and pharmaceuticals from 25% to 15%. Additionally, South Korea agreed to invest $350 billion in key U.S. sectors like semiconductors, shipbuilding, and biotech.

As of late 2025, South Korea ranked as the eighth-largest trading partner of the U.S., with total trade amounting to $162 billion. The automotive industry accounts for a significant portion of South Korea’s exports to the U.S., with nearly half of the country’s car exports being sent to America.

The legality of the Trump administration’s country-specific tariffs is currently under review by the Supreme Court, as these tariffs were imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. If the tariffs are deemed unlawful, the White House has indicated that they have alternative powers at their disposal to implement similar levies.

In conclusion, the trade relationship between the U.S. and South Korea is facing challenges as President Trump seeks to enforce the terms of the trade deal that was agreed upon last year. The impact of these increased tariffs on both countries’ economies remains to be seen, as tensions continue to rise over trade agreements and obligations.

This rewritten content seamlessly integrates into a WordPress platform, providing a unique perspective on the ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and South Korea.