South Korea to face 15% tariff from the United States

That's down from a threatened 25% tariff rate.
Text: Ben Lyons
Published 2025-07-31

The United States has determined the firm tariff rate that it intends to impose on South Korea. As per President Donald Trump, a decision has been made to set a 15% tariff rate for the country, which is down from the previously threatened 25% rate.

As per Reuters, the lower rate came after the US and South Korea signed a deal that will also see the Asian country investing $350 billion in US projects, including shipbuilding, chips, and batteries, all while also agreeing to purchase as many as $100 billion of US energy products.

Speaking about the deal and the tariff rate, President Trump stated on Truth Social:

"I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has agreed to a Full and Complete Trade Deal with the Republic of Korea. The Deal is that South Korea will give to the United States $350 Billion Dollars for Investments owned and controlled by the United States, and selected by myself, as President. Additionally, South Korea will purchase $100 Billion Dollars of LNG, or other Energy products and, further, South Korea has agreed to invest a large sum of money for their Investment purposes."

Trump also explains that the US will not be charged a tariff in return and that South Korea will be "completely open to trade with the United States".

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