President Donald J. Trump today unleashed a forceful trade counterstrike, hiking U.S. tariffs on South Korea from 15 percent back to 25 percent—because Seoul’s legislature brazenly defied a binding deal negotiated six months ago.

The historic pact, sealed July 30, 2025, and reaffirmed during Trump’s October state visit, promised $350 billion in South Korean investment, a stable 15 percent tariff rate, and a $100 billion LNG purchase commitment. Congress-mandated implementation stalled in Seoul—and President Trump is holding them to account.

“South Korea’s Legislature is not living up to its Deal with the United States,” the president declared on Truth Social. No excuses. No delays. America honors its word—and demands reciprocity.

Effective immediately, tariffs on Korean automobiles, lumber, pharmaceuticals and all affected imports climb to 25 percent. This decisive action restores the robust barriers first announced last April under Trump’s “Liberation Day” package—and makes clear that empty promises carry a price.

For years, Washington’s timid trade posture invited exploitation. Trump’s unapologetic posture reverses that weakness. When America negotiates, America enforces. When America empowers its workers, America wins.

Critics will howl about “trade wars.” They’re wrong. This is a trade defense—protecting U.S. factories, preserving American jobs, and safeguarding national security. Under Trump, trade policy is not charity. It’s strategy.

South Korea now faces a stark choice: enact the deal, unleash billions in mutual growth, and restore tariff relief—or continue stalling and pay the full price. The president will not blink.

This move sends a clear message to every trade partner: deal in good faith or face the consequences. Under President Trump, American interests come first—period.