US-Korea Trade Tensions Rise: Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs on Korean Exports Amid Investment Deal Delays

Welcome to South Korea Tariff News and Tracker, listeners, where we break down the latest twists in US trade pressures on Korean exports. As of mid-February 2026, tensions are boiling over President Trump's threat to hike tariffs on South Korean goods from the current 15 percent to 25 percent. According to the Korea Times, this stems from delays in Seoul ratifying a November 2025 bilateral trade deal tied to Korea's $350 billion US investment pledge. UPI reports Seoul is racing against the clock, just 20 days after Trump's January announcement, with a special National Assembly committee launched last week—but its first meeting derailed by partisan fights, casting doubt on passage by March 9. The stakes couldn't be higher for Korea's export giants. Daol Investment & Securities estimates Hyundai Motor and Kia alone would face 11 trillion won in added costs at 25 percent tariffs, hammering autos, tires, and parts makers. Compounding this, the Korea Times highlights Coupang's US investigation as a potential flashpoint; upcoming congressional testimony could fuel Washington's ire, blurring lines between issues from Seoul's view. Diplomacy is in overdrive. Yonhap News Agency notes Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan visited Washington last month to meet Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, stressing no change in Korea's commitment despite parliamentary delays. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo joined US-led talks on critical minerals, per Korea Risk Group, while MOTIR activated a temporary investment review panel ahead of full legislation. Trump softened slightly in late January, saying we'll work something out, but his America First push shows no signs of easing. Meanwhile, broader Trump policies loom, like the Maritime Action Plan's proposed port fees on foreign ships—from one cent to 25 cents per kilogram of imports—which Hellenic Shipping News says could prioritize Korean shipyards like Hanwha Ocean amid US naval deals. The Straits Times recalls the 2025 deal dropped tariffs to 15 percent for that massive pledge, but non-compliance risks reversal. Listeners, stay tuned as these negotiations unfold—Korean firms' US market access hangs in the balance. Thank you for tuning in, and please subscribe for weekly updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ Avoid ths tariff fee's and check out these deals https://amzn.to/4iaM94Q This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.