Trump announces hike in US tariffs on South Korean autos, pharma, and lumber from 15% to 25%, citing unfulfilled trade pact commitments.

US President Donald Trump announced that he plans to increase tariffs on a range of South Korean goods, citing Seoul’s failure to fully implement a previous trade agreement with the United States.

“Since the Korean Legislature has not enacted our Historic Trade Agreement, which is their choice, I am raising South Korean tariffs on autos, lumber, pharmaceuticals, and all other reciprocal tariffs from 15% to 25%,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.

This move comes months after Washington and Seoul finalized a trade and security pact following Trump’s October meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, which included commitments for South Korean investments and US tariff reductions.

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Under the agreement, US tariffs on South Korean products—including vehicles, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals—were capped at 15%, a reduction from the previous 25% rate on automobiles.

If Trump’s proposed hike is implemented, it would reverse these tariff cuts.

The US auto market is critical for South Korea, accounting for 27% of its exports to the United States, nearly half of the country’s total car shipments. Raising tariffs again would also disadvantage South Korean exports compared with countries like Japan and members of the European Union, which have secured 15% tariff rates under similar trade agreements.