Trump Hikes South Korea Tariffs to 25% on Trade Deal Delay

Is Trump's tariff hike on South Korea a betrayal of allies or justified accountability for a broken agreement?

Published 2 hours ago

Trump Hikes South Korea Tariffs to 25% on Trade Deal Delay

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Above: Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Gyeongju National Museum on Oct. 29, 2025. Image credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The Spin

Anti-Trump narrative

Trump's tariff hike on South Korea exposes how America First has devolved into hegemonic interference that stabs allies in the back. Unilateral measures force inefficient supply-chain restructurings worldwide, imposing heavy uncertainty premiums on businesses and eroding U.S. international credibility. Such erratic actions undermine trust-based economic ties and send highly risky signals to global markets.

Global Times Yonhap News Agency

Pro-Trump narrative

South Korea's legislature failed to enact the historic trade agreement, leaving the deal in legal limbo despite Seoul's commitment. Raising tariffs from 15 to 25% simply holds South Korea accountable for failing to live up to its end of the bargain. The tariff increase is justified when a trading partner refuses to formalize agreements already negotiated in good faith under international norms.

WFXG FOX 54

Metaculus Prediction

Public Figures

Donald Trump

Establishment split