Audio By Carbonatix
US President Donald Trump has announced he is raising tariffs on South Korean imports to 25% after accusing Seoul of "not living up" to a trade deal reached last year.
In a post on social media, Trump said he would increase levies on South Korea from 15% across a range of products including automobiles, lumber, pharmaceuticals and "all other Reciprocal TARIFFS".
Trump said South Korean lawmakers have been slow to approve the deal while "we have acted swiftly to reduce our TARIFFS in line with the Transaction agreed to".
South Korea says it had not been given official notice of the decision to raise tariffs on some of its goods, and wanted urgent talks with Washington over the issue.
It added that South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, who is currently in Canada, will visit Washington as soon as possible to meet US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Shares in some South Korean exporters fell on Tuesday morning, with car maker Hyundai down about 2.5%. Stocks related to pharmaceuticals and timber were also lower.
Seoul and Washington reached a deal last October, which included a pledge from South Korea to invest $350bn (£256bn) in the US, some of which would go to shipbuilding.
The following month, the two countries agreed that the US would reduce tariffs on some products once South Korea started the process to approve the deal.
The agreement was submitted to South Korea's National Assembly on 26 November and is currently being reviewed. It is likely to be passed in February, according to local media.
Tariffs are paid by companies who import products. In this case, US firms will pay a 25% tax on goods they buy from South Korea.
Trump has frequently used tariffs as leverage to enact foreign policy during his second term in the White House.
On Saturday, he threatened Canada with a 100% tariff if it struck a trade deal with China.
On Monday, Chinese officials said its "strategic partnership" agreement with Canada is not meant to undercut other countries.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said his country was not pursuing a free trade deal with China and has "never" considered it.
He added that Canadian officials have made their position clear to their American counterparts.
Before that, Trump said he would impose import taxes on eight countries - including the UK - who opposed US plans to seize Greenland, an autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark which is a member of Nato.
He later backed down from the tariff threat over Greenland citing progress towards a "future deal" over the island, but the episode strained US relations with Denmark and other Nato allies.
Latest Stories
-
Africa to maintain steady growth over next three years – Bridgewater Advisors
11 minutes -
Queiroz unavailable as Desmond Offei to lead Black Stars against Mexico
15 minutes -
2026 Legacy Expo to reposition Africa’s beauty and wellness economy
27 minutes -
TDC, GIADEC and ARISE IIP establish special-purpose company to drive Tema Industrial Park project
37 minutes -
Ablakwa clarifies South Africa evacuation reports, assures support for all Ghanaians
41 minutes -
Today’s Front pages: Friday, May 22, 2026
57 minutes -
Africa urged to overhaul climate finance rules and regulations to unlock investment
1 hour -
Joy Prime to broadcast Mexico vs Ghana friendly match on Saturday, 23rd May at 2am
2 hours -
PNC National Chairman calls for arrest of NPP Youth Organiser
2 hours -
Joana Gyan Foundation partners KN Foundation, GFA & PFAG for historic Nsawam Prison outreach
2 hours -
Chief urges youth to see farming as dignified business, not punishment
3 hours -
Majority Leader says Ghana is experiencing ‘fastest economic recovery’
3 hours -
Anlo-Afiadenyigba SHS appeals for constant water supply, security
3 hours -
‘Stability, credibility and predictability are Ghana’s competitive advantage’ – Ambassador Victor Smith
3 hours -
NAIMOS arrests Chinese national, 7 Ghanaians in Ashanti Illegal Mining crackdown
3 hours