White House cites legislative delays as Seoul confirms undisclosed US letter on digital issues and trade uncertainty

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would raise tariffs on South Korean goods from 15% to 25%, citing delays in South Korea’s legislative process to implement a bilateral trade agreement. Trump’s comments, made publicly this week, triggered renewed uncertainty for exporters in sectors including autos and pharmaceuticals, which had benefited from the lower tariff rate.

The Blue House initially said Seoul received no advance notice from Washington of the tariff move. However, it later revealed that a letter from the U.S. government had been sent to South Korea’s science minister on Jan. 13, adding that the communication focused on digital issues and the non-discriminatory treatment of U.S. firms and had no direct connection to the tariff announcement. The details of the letter have not been disclosed.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would raise tariffs on South Korean goods from 15% to 25%, citing delays in South Korea’s legislative process to implement a bilateral trade agreement. Trump’s comments, made publicly this week, triggered renewed uncertainty for exporters in sectors including autos and pharmaceuticals, which had benefited from the lower tariff rate.

The Blue House initially said Seoul received no advance notice from Washington of the tariff move. However, it later revealed that a letter from the U.S. government had been sent to South Korea’s science minister on Jan. 13, adding that the communication focused on digital issues and the non-discriminatory treatment of U.S. firms and had no direct connection to the tariff announcement. The details of the letter have not been disclosed.

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