Trump threatens to lift tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%, cites trade deal delay

(Sharecast News) - Donald Trump has threatened to lift tariffs on South Korean imports to 25% as he accused the country of not "not living up" to a trade deal agreed last year. In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, the US President said: "South Korea's Legislature is not living up to its Deal with the United States. President Lee and I reached a Great Deal for both Countries on July 30, 2025, and we reaffirmed these terms while I was in Korea on October 29, 2025. Why hasn't the Korean Legislature approved it?

"Because the Korean Legislature hasn't enacted our Historic Trade Agreement, which is their prerogative, I am hereby increasing South Korean TARIFFS on Autos, Lumber, Pharma, and all other Reciprocal TARIFFS, from 15% to 25%."

In response, South Korea's ruling Democratic Party announced plans to pass a special act on the US trade deal by the end of February.