The relationship between the US and South Korea is facing significant strain due to President Donald Trump‘s tariff threats. Trump’s “America First” agenda has led to a decline in favorable views of the US among South Koreans, with 61% expressing a positive view, down from 77% in 2024.
South Korea is one of Washington’s closest allies, hosting around 28,000 US troops as a bulwark against North Korea. However, Trump’s tariff policies have stirred resentment among many South Koreans. Sideny Sim, a 38-year-old engineer, feels betrayed by the US, stating, “If they used to be a country that was known to be a leader in culture, the economy and the perception of being ‘good,’ I feel like the US is now a threat to geopolitical balance.”
The tariffs have already caused disruptions, with South Korea’s exports dropping 2.2% in the first 20 days of July compared to the previous year. Kim Sung-hyeok, head of research at the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Labour Institute, notes that exporters in the auto, steel, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical sectors have been particularly affected, leading to declined production orders and temporary factory closures.
Some South Koreans, like Kim Hyun-ju, a customer service agent, feel that the US actions are unfair. “It would only be fair if they are OK with us raising our tariffs to the same level as well,” Kim said, adding that the Trump administration’s actions have caused her to feel animosity towards the US. “I’ve always thought of the US as a friendly ally that is special to us, especially in terms of national defence. I know it is good for us to maintain this friendly status, but I sort of lost faith when Trump also demanded a larger amount of money for the US military presence in our country.”
In contrast, Kim Chang-chul, an investment strategist, views Trump’s trade policies as a burden for South Korean businesses but also sees the depth of US decision-making and strategy behind the tariffs. “Trump wants South Korea to be more involved in the US’s energy ambitions in Alaska,” Kim said. “It’s part of the US pushing for geopolitical realignment and economic rebalancing.”
Experts warn that the tariffs could have severe economic implications for South Korea. According to a feasibility study by the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, South Korea’s GDP could decrease by 0.3 to 0.4% if US tariff measures take full effect.
To mitigate the impact, South Korea may need to seek alternative markets and diversify its exports. Keum Hye-yoon, a researcher at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, suggests that South Korea can seek joint action with countries like EU members, Japan, and Canada to develop joint responses to the current predicament.