South Korea prepares for "increased unfair trade practices" amid US tariffs

Thursday 13 March 2025 - 13:38

By: Zahouani Ilham

South Korea prepares for "increased unfair trade practices" amid US tariffs

South Korea has expressed concerns about an increase in "unfair trade practices" as a result of the new U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. In response, the South Korean government has promised to take a "strong response" to these measures.

The United States began imposing a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, without exceptions, on Wednesday. South Korea, which exported 2.5 million tons of steel to the U.S. last year, is the fourth-largest steel supplier to the U.S., following Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. It is also a significant exporter of aluminum to the U.S.

Ahn Duk-geun, South Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy, stated that "unfair trade practices are expected to increase, and our government will react firmly." He made these remarks during a meeting with the country's leading steelmakers on Thursday. The government is working to strengthen its defense mechanisms, including monitoring dumping practices (such as the sale of steel at below-market prices, often attributed to China) and imports. The minister urged businesses to focus on "high-value-added products" as a strategy for dealing with the trade challenges.

Seoul also promised to introduce a plan by the end of March to better protect the steel industry.

Last week, South Korea's other trade minister, Cheong In-kyo, visited Washington in an attempt to secure an exemption from the tariffs, citing the economic and strategic alignment between the two countries. However, his efforts were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump harshly criticized South Korea and other nations for what he described as "unfair practices." He claimed that "average tariffs imposed by Seoul are four times higher" than U.S. tariffs and voiced dissatisfaction over the costs of U.S. military aid to South Korea. In response, the South Korean government pointed out that its tariffs on U.S. goods were "virtually 0%" due to a bilateral free trade agreement.

Automobiles and auto parts make up nearly one-third of South Korea's exports to the U.S., while South Korea imports petroleum and metals from the U.S.