US President Donald Trump's Phone Call Boosts Hopes for Slightly Improved Momentum in US-South Korea Trade Talks

Published on 4.11.25

  The recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and South Korean Acting President Han has sparked renewed hopes for trade talks between the two nations. This comes as part of Trump's decision to suspend higher reciprocal tariffs on imports from Korea for 90 days, allowing room for negotiation. South Korea's heavy investment in advanced industries is a significant factor in these talks, with 124 R&D projects worth 6.7 trillion won emphasizing the importance of technology and innovation in addressing uncertain global conditions. Experts warn that this pause may be Korea's last chance to negotiate, as uncertainties remain due to the escalating tariff dispute with China. Cho Soo-jung, a professor at Korea University, advises Korea to concede on what it can do while developing effective bargaining chips to persuade Trump. The suspension of tariffs has been met with a mixed response from various countries, but for South Korea and others subject to 10% duty rates, the focus remains on these US-Korea trade talks.

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