US–Korea Trade

US–Korea trade news — tariffs, trade policy, and the economic relationship between Seoul and Washington.

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US Targets Korea's Forced Labor with Tariffs, 15% Cap Hoped For

The US will announce Section 301 trade investigation results next month, with Korea facing a 12.5% tariff as a "forced labor country." Total rates could exceed 15% if overproduction tariffs are added.

Published 2026.06.05. 10:20:32

OECD Raises Korea's Growth Forecast by 0.9 Points, but Risks Loom

The OECD raised Korea's 2025 growth forecast to 2.6% from 1.7%, the largest upgrade among G20 nations, but risks from export concentration and U.S. tariff pressure remain.

Published 2026.06.04. 24:07:01

Presidential Office Vows Best Efforts on US 12.5% Tariff Threat

Korea's Presidential Office vowed to protect the balance of interests under the Korea-U.S. tariff agreement after the USTR announced a 12.5% additional tariff on Korea over forced labor concerns.

Published 2026.06.03. 17:00:50

US Pushes 12.5% Additional Tariff on Korea Over Forced Labor

The USTR proposed a 12.5% additional tariff on South Korea and 54 other economies under Section 301, citing insufficient measures against forced labor imports.

Published 2026.06.03. 15:24:02

US Trade Chief Questions How Resource-Poor Korea Became Steel Powerhouse

USTR Jamieson Greer cited Korea's rise as a steel powerhouse despite scarce resources as a prime example of government intervention distorting trade, ahead of Section 301 findings.

Published 2026.06.03. 08:58:33

'8000, 350 Billion, 1500': Three Numbers Defining Lee's First Year

Lee Jae-myung administration's first year in numbers: KOSPI surged past 8,700, a $350 billion US investment package cut tariffs to 15%, while the won-dollar rate entered a 1,500 won new normal.

Published 2026.06.02. 07:00:05

Four Key Figures Behind Lee's First-Year Achievements Face Shifting Roles

Four key figures—Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Policy Director Kim Yong-beom, PM Kim Min-seok, and Trade Minister Kim Jeong-kwan—shaped President Lee Jae-myung's first-year results and face shifting roles.

Published 2026.06.01. 17:54:54

Korea's Capital Heads to Washington Amid Trump's 'Build Here' Push

As U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urges global firms to "Build here," Korean capital flows to Washington amid record KOSPI highs and a $350 billion strategic investment package.

Published 2026.05.20. 05:00:05

Barriers and Breakthroughs in Korea-India CEPA Talks

India and Korea aim to revamp their 2010 CEPA as President Lee Jae-myung's state visit highlights tariff asymmetry, a $10B trade deficit, and supply chain cooperation.

Published 2026.05.12. 11:11:54

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