President Donald Trump announced Monday that the United States will raise tariffs on a wide range of South Korean goods after Seoul’s legislature failed to approve a bilateral trade agreement reached last year. Apparently, signing a deal is easy—actually passing it is the hard part.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the move comes after South Korea did not fulfill its obligations under the trade deal negotiated between the two countries.
The tariffs will rise from 15% to 25% and will apply to automobiles, lumber, pharmaceutical products, and other goods covered under reciprocal trade measures.
“Our Trade Deals are very important to America,” Trump wrote.
“In each of these Deals, we have acted swiftly to reduce our TARIFFS in line with the Transaction agreed to. We, of course, expect our Trading Partners to do the same.” Shocking concept: keep your word.
Trump said he and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reached a “Great Deal for both Countries” on July 30, 2025, and reaffirmed it during Trump’s visit to South Korea on Oct. 29, 2025. However, he criticized South Korea’s National Assembly for failing to approve the agreement, which is required under South Korean law.
“Why hasn’t the Korean Legislature approved it?” Trump asked, noting that while the decision belongs to South Korea’s lawmakers, their delay forced the United States to respond.
“Because the Korean Legislature hasn’t enacted our Historic Trade Agreement, which is their prerogative, I am hereby increasing South Korean TARIFFS,” Trump said.
The move marks the latest escalation in trade tensions between Washington and one of its key Asian allies. South Korea is a major exporter to the U.S., particularly in the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors, and the higher tariffs could raise costs for American consumers and businesses that rely on imported goods.
The White House did not provide details on when the higher tariffs will take effect or whether exemptions will be granted for certain products or companies. It is also unclear whether further trade actions will follow if South Korea’s legislature continues to delay ratification.
South Korean officials had not publicly responded as of Monday evening. Analysts say internal political divisions in Seoul have complicated efforts to approve the deal, despite support from the executive branch.
Trump has consistently argued that tariffs are a necessary tool to enforce trade agreements and protect U.S. industries and workers. Monday’s decision shows the administration is serious about holding trade partners accountable—and that standing up for American workers remains the top priority, which is exactly where it should be.
