Trump Announces Increased Tariffs on South Korea

Summary of the Announcement

On January 26, 2026, President Trump announced a significant increase in tariffs applied to imports from South Korea, indicating that the country has not yet ratified a trade agreement established between the two nations in the previous year.

Details of the Tariff Increase

In a social media post, President Trump revealed plans to raise the U.S. tariff on imports from South Korea from 15% to 25%. This increase will also affect tariffs on various categories, including automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceutical goods.

“South Korea’s Legislature is not living up to its Deal with the United States,” Trump expressed, referring to the trade agreement reached on July 30, 2025, during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in Seoul. Trump reiterated the terms of this agreement during his visit to Korea on October 29, 2025, questioning why the Korean Legislature has not yet approved it.

Background on the Trade Agreement

The trade deal established a reduction in U.S. tariffs on South Korean vehicles, car parts, pharmaceuticals, and other products from 25% to 15%. In exchange, South Korea agreed to invest $350 billion in critical sectors within the U.S., including semiconductors, shipbuilding, and biotechnology. As of late 2025, South Korea ranked as the U.S.’ eighth-largest trading partner, with total trade amounting to $162 billion, according to data from the Census Bureau. Notably, the auto industry represents 27% of South Korea’s exports to the U.S., which accounts for nearly half of its car exports.

Potential Legal Challenges

The Supreme Court is anticipated to issue a ruling on the legality of the Trump administration’s country-specific tariffs. This legal review pertains to tariffs imposed on multiple nations by the administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). If these tariffs are deemed unconstitutional, White House officials have signaled that alternative measures could be employed to replace the sweeping levies.

Conclusion

The tariff increase announced by President Trump highlights ongoing trade tensions and the complexities of international agreements. The forthcoming legal decisions may have lasting implications for U.S.-South Korea trade relations.

Edited by Alain Sherter; AFP contributed to this report.