Trump Threatens to Increase Korean Tariffs to 25%

Jan. 26, 2026
By: David G. Forgue

On January 26 in a social media post President Trump threatened to raise Korean tariffs from the 15% agreed upon in July to 25%. The specific named tariffs are “autos, lumber, pharma, and all other reciprocal tariffs.” Autos, lumber, and pharma are Section 232 duties, while reciprocal duties are issued under the alleged authority of IEEPA.

The action reflects the fact that the Korean legislature has not approved the July 30, 2025 deal. Until (and unless) a Federal Register notice is issued there is no timeline for any changes in Korean tariffs.

Please contact any attorney at Barnes, Richardson & Colburn if you have any questions about tariffs, whether they apply to Korea or any other country.