27-01-2026

Trump Raises Tariffs on South Korean Imports to 25%

Date: 27-01-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cnbc.com: 4 | nytimes.com: 1 | scmp.com: 1 | theguardian.com: 1

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US President Donald Trump announcing new tariffs at a press conference in the White House press briefing room, documentary-style photography, harsh overhead lighting with a hint of shadow on Trump's face, capturing the intensity of the moment with a 50mm lens, conveying a sense of official gravity and economic uncertainty.

Summary

US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on South Korean imports, citing delays in implementing a trade deal signed last year, which included a $350 billion investment pledge from South Korea. The move has caused uncertainty and fluctuations in global markets, with South Korea's stock market and automakers being particularly affected. The decision contrasts with a recent trade deal between India and the EU, highlighting Trump's protectionist policies.

Key Points

  • Trump raises tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%
  • South Korea had pledged to invest $350 billion in the US as part of a trade deal
  • The move has caused uncertainty and fluctuations in global markets

Articles in this Cluster

Trump raises US tariffs on South Korea imports to 25%

US President Donald Trump has announced that he is raising tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%, accusing Seoul of not living up to a trade deal reached last year. The deal, signed in October, included a pledge from South Korea to invest $350 billion in the US. South Korea's government has expressed disappointment and requested urgent talks with Washington. The move has caused fluctuations in South Korea's stock market, with the benchmark Kospi index initially falling but later recovering. Trump has frequently used tariffs as a tool for foreign policy during his presidency.
Entities: Donald Trump, South Korea, United States, Kim Jung-kwan, Howard LutnickTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

CNBC Daily Open: India forges a trade deal with the EU — as Trump doubles down on tariff playbook

The article discusses the recent trade deal between India and the European Union, and how it contrasts with the protectionist policies of US President Donald Trump. Trump has been increasing tariffs on certain countries, including South Korea, while India and the EU have forged a 'landmark' free trade agreement. The article also touches on the impact of Trump's policies on global trade ties and the US dollar index. Meanwhile, Asian equity markets are seeing a surge in capital, and US stocks are rising ahead of Big Tech earnings reports. The article also mentions the upcoming US Federal Reserve interest rate decision and its potential implications.
Entities: India, European Union, Donald Trump, Narendra Modi, South KoreaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

European markets: Stoxx 600, FTSE, CAC, DAX, earnings

European stocks are expected to open higher on Tuesday as earnings season continues, with investors monitoring financial reports from major companies like ASML, Volvo, and Deutsche Bank. The U.K.'s FTSE index is predicted to rise 0.18%, while Germany's DAX, France's CAC 40, and Italy's FTSE MIB are also expected to gain. Global trade uncertainty persists following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of increased tariffs on South Korean autos, pharmaceuticals, and lumber. Investors are also awaiting the Federal Reserve's rate decision later in the week.
Entities: European stocks, U.K., FTSE index, Germany, DAXTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

South Korea scrambles to pass U.S. investment bill after Trump threatens higher tariffsStock Chart Icon

South Korea's ruling Democratic Party has pledged to pass a special act on a U.S. trade deal by end-February after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on South Korean exports to 25% from 15%. The bill aims to establish a state-run investment corporation to manage Seoul's planned $350 billion investment pledge to Washington. Trump's threat came after a delay in the country's parliament approving the trade deal agreed in July last year. South Korea's presidential office and finance ministry have responded, with the latter stating that it will keep the U.S. informed on the legislative process. The news led to a decline in South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia's shares.
Entities: South Korea, United States, Donald Trump, Democratic Party, People Power PartyTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

South Korean auto stocks fall after Trump hikes tariffs

South Korean auto stocks fell after US President Donald Trump threatened to increase tariffs on South Korea, claiming that the country's legislature had not approved the trade deal with Washington. Despite this, the Kospi index rose to an all-time high, led by gains in various sectors. Other Asian markets also saw positive movements, with Australia's S&P/ASX 200 and Japan's Nikkei 225 reaching new heights. The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong gained ground, driven by basic materials stocks. The news comes as major US tech companies prepare to release their earnings reports.
Entities: Donald Trump, South Korea, Seoul, Washington, KospiTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump Vows Higher Tariffs for South Korea Months After Trade Deal - The New York Times

US President Trump has announced plans to increase tariffs on South Korean exports to 25%, just months after agreeing to lower them to 15% as part of a trade deal. The move has caught South Korea off guard and introduced uncertainty into their trade relations. South Korean officials insist that their government has not failed to live up to its commitments under the deal, which included investing $350 billion in the US. The delay in implementing the deal is due to a slow legislative process in South Korea. The tariff increase is seen as a demonstration of Trump's unpredictability and has raised concerns among South Korean businesses and politicians about the stability of their trade relationship with the US.
Entities: Donald Trump, Lee Jae Myung, South Korea, United States, Kim Jung-KwanTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Is Trump pressuring South Korea to lock in deal before US court can strike down tariffs? | South China Morning Post

US President Donald Trump announced that he will reinstate 25% tariffs on South Korea, citing the country's failure to follow through on a bilateral trade deal. Analysts believe that Trump's move is an attempt to pressure South Korea into locking in the deal before a US Supreme Court ruling that could potentially strike down the tariffs. The timing of the announcement reflects Trump's frustration over delays in implementing South Korea's investment pledges underpinning the agreement. The move has revived trade tensions between the two close allies, prompting Seoul to seek urgent talks with Washington.
Entities: Donald Trump, South Korea, United States, US Supreme Court, Lee Jae MyungTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Trump says he will impose new tariffs on South Korea as he criticises delays in trade deal | South Korea | The Guardian

US President Donald Trump announced on social media that he will raise tariffs on South Korean goods, including automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceuticals, from 15% to 25%, citing delays in implementing a trade deal struck last year. South Korea had agreed to invest $350 billion in the US in return for tariff cuts, but the deal has been stuck in limbo due to disagreements over its legal status. Trump's move sent shares in Korean carmakers tumbling, and Seoul scrambled to assure the US of its commitment to the deal. The tariff hike, if enacted, would reverse the previous tariff cuts and impact South Korea's auto industry, which accounts for 27% of its exports to the US.
Entities: Donald Trump, South Korea, United States, Lee Jae Myung, Kim Jung-kwanTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform