US President Donald Trump announced a tariff increase on selected South Korean imports, lifting rates from 15% to 25%.
The higher tariffs apply to Korean-made cars, lumber, and pharmaceutical products entering the United States.
Trump said the move follows delays by South Korea’s legislature in approving a bilateral trade agreement reached in November.
The trade relationship between the United States and South Korea is valued at more than $160 billion.
Under the November agreement, South Korea agreed to reduce tariffs on US cars and auto parts from 25% to 15%.
The deal also included a pledge of $350 billion in South Korean investment across multiple US industrial sectors.
Trump said the agreement was reaffirmed during meetings with President Lee in July and October 2025.
South Korea’s Legislature is not living up to its Deal with the United States.
Donald Trump said.
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.