US President Donald Trump announced a sharp increase in tariffs on South Korean imports, raising rates from 15 percent to 25 percent on automobiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and other goods. The decision marks a significant escalation in trade pressure on one of America’s key allies.
Trump explained the hike was triggered by Seoul’s failure to ratify a bilateral trade deal signed in 2025, which had included earlier tariff reductions. “South Korea’s Legislature is not living up to its Deal with the United States,” Trump said, emphasizing what he called a lack of reciprocity.
The 2025 trade pact aimed to boost South Korean investment in US industries like semiconductors and shipbuilding while reducing tariffs on Korean exports. Lawmakers in Seoul, however, have debated the formal approval process, leaving the agreement in limbo.
South Korean officials said they were not formally notified of the tariff increase before Trump’s public statement. The country plans to send senior trade representatives to Washington for urgent consultations. Meetings with the US Commerce Department are expected to clarify next steps.
The tariff hike is likely to affect American importers and consumers, as well as South Korean manufacturers such as Hyundai and Kia, who rely heavily on the US market for cars and electronics.
