Trump’s Tariff Tango: South Korea Waltzes into Economic Chaos!

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In a splendidly theatrical announcement, President Donald Trump has raised the curtain on a 10% tariff increase, a scintillating spectacle that now envelops South Korean imports gracing the shores of the U.S. These include the quintessential automobiles, lumber that dreams are built upon, and pharmaceuticals that promise to cure even the most existential of crises. It seems our dear President is rather perturbed by the sluggish dance moves of the South Korean legislature, which has yet to confirm a bilateral trade agreement crafted in the gilded halls of November.

Trump Raises Tariffs on South Korean Imports, Claims Korea Is Not ‘Living up to Its Deal’

The Tariff King is at it again, this time lobbing verbal grenades at South Korea, that dear ally with whom the U.S. shares a trade romance worth over $160 billion. Such sums could buy an endless supply of golf balls for Trump’s favorite pastime.

In a flourish befitting a Shakespearean drama, Trump took to Truth Social, his digital playground, bemoaning that South Korea has not fulfilled its end of the deal regarding the trade agreement-a melodrama penned in November, wherein both nations agreed to reduce tariffs on U.S. auto imports from a robust 25% to a more palatable 15%.

This elaborate agreement, laden with $350 billion in South Korean investments aimed at revitalizing various sectors of the American industry, now hangs in the balance like a poorly executed magic trick.

Trump proclaimed:

South Korea’s Legislature is not living up to its Deal with the United States! President Lee and I reached a Great Deal for both Countries on July 30, 2025, and we reaffirmed these terms while I was in Korea on October 29, 2025. Why hasn’t the Korean Legislature approved it?

Due to this delay-an epic saga worthy of Greek tragedy-Trump announced he would hike tariffs on those Korean cars, lumber, and pharmaceuticals from a civilized 15% back to a formidable 25%, reverting to pre-agreement levels, as if time had folded back on itself.

“Our Trade Deals are very important to America,” Trump emphasized, sounding rather like a self-appointed bard. “In each of these Deals, we have acted swiftly to reduce our TARIFFS in line with the Transaction agreed to. We, of course, expect our Trading Partners to do the same.” A sentiment dripping with irony, given the current circumstances.

Shares of Korean automakers, particularly Hyundai and Kia, plummeted faster than a lead balloon after the President’s latest tête-à-tête with reality.

Previously, Trump had flirted dangerously with the idea of imposing a staggering 100% tariff on all Canadian products should they dare sign a free trade agreement with China-a possibility promptly dashed by Prime Minister Marc Carney’s resolute rebuttal.

Moreover, threats loomed like storm clouds over Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland-nations opposing the annexation of Greenland. Ultimately, Trump rescinded these threats, as if realizing that a NATO agreement might just be the adult in the room.

FAQ

  • What recent action has President Trump taken regarding South Korea?
    President Trump has declared an increase in tariffs on South Korean imports due to legislative delays in a trade agreement-because who doesn’t love a good bureaucratic soap opera?

  • What was included in the U.S.-South Korea trade agreement?
    The agreement aimed to slice tariffs on U.S. auto imports from 25% to 15% and promised a lavish $350 billion in South Korean investments into U.S. industries, because money does make the world go round!

  • What tariffs will be affected by Trump’s announcement?
    Tariffs on Korean automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceuticals will leap from 15% to 25%, as if the clock has been set back to a less enlightened time.

  • How did the market react to Trump’s statements?
    Following his announcement, shares of South Korean automakers, such as Hyundai and Kia, experienced a nosedive reminiscent of an awkward first date.

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2026-01-27 13:13