Trump hikes tariff on top US trade partner for 'not living up to its deal'

President Donald Trump announced that he is raising tariffs on one of America's largest trade partners over the country's progress toward ratifying a "historic" trade agreement.

Last year, Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on several of America's trade partners, including South Korea, a country that produces goods ranging from washing machines to cars and pharmaceuticals. Trump announced on Monday that he is increasing tariffs on South Korea from 10% to 25% because of the country's alleged failure to ratify the trade agreement struck last year.

Trump made the announcement on Truth Social.

"Our Trade Deals are very important to America. 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," Trump wrote.

"South Korea's Legislature is not living up to its Deal with the United States," it added. "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?"

"Because the Korean Legislature hasn't enacted our Historic Trade Agreement, which is their prerogative, I am hereby increasing South Korean TARIFFS on Autos, Lumber, Pharma, and all other Reciprocal TARIFFS, from 15% to 25%. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" it added.