US Tariff Increase on South Korean Goods Sparks International Tensions

Key Points:

  • US increases tariffs on South Korean goods; leadership disputes involve top officials.
  • Tariff hike to 25% affects autos, lumber, pharmaceuticals.
  • South Korean legislature accused of delaying trade agreement implementation.

The South Korean Trade Minister plans to visit the United States to discuss trade agreements, following President Trump’s announcement of increased tariffs on South Korean goods.

This tariff escalation could strain bilateral relations and affect global trade dynamics, as South Korean trade leaders seek resolution over National Assembly ratification delays.

US Tariffs on South Korea Rise to 25%

The US administration has decided to increase tariffs on a range of South Korean goods following allegations that the South Korean National Assembly has not ratified a key trade deal agreed in 2025. President Trump stated his dissatisfaction with this delay through a social media announcement, expressing concerns over the lack of legislative action in South Korea.

Effective immediately, the tariff rates on South Korean automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceuticals will rise from 15% to 25%. This adjustment aims to pressure South Korean authorities into ratifying the previously agreed trade terms, reflecting ongoing tensions between the two nations.

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“Announced the tariff increase on Truth Social.” — Donald Trump, US President

Key political figures have voiced their perspectives on this development. Donald Trump communicated his decision on his primary social media platform, demanding action from South Korean leadership. Concurrently, opposition leaders in South Korea criticized the government for neglecting the agreement, asserting that responsibility lies with President Lee Jae-myung’s administration.

Historical Context and Crypto Market Impact

Did you know? The current US tariff hike on South Korean goods mirrors the 2017-2018 KORUS FTA renegotiation tensions. It included similar enhancements in trade terms due to perceived imbalances favoring Korea.

Bitcoin, a prominent cryptocurrency, is currently priced at $88,679.93, reflecting a 1.70% increase over the last 24 hours. Its market capitalization stands at $1.77 trillion with a 59.17% dominance, as reported by CoinMarketCap. Recent trends show varied price fluctuations and a 21.20% decline over the past 90 days.

bitcoin-daily-chart-5894

Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 03:38 UTC on January 27, 2026. Source: CoinMarketCap

Insights from Coincu research teams suggest that geopolitical trade tensions could indirectly influence the cryptocurrency landscape. While there are no direct links in the recent tariff increase, such international economic shifts often alter regulatory and market dynamics, warranting close monitoring of future policy changes.

Source: https://coincu.com/news/us-tariff-increase-south-korean-goods/