Trump Slaps 25% Tariff on South Korea Despite Free Trade Deal, Global Trust at Stake

• Donald Trump has increased tariffs on South Korean imports from 15% to 25%, targeting automobiles, wood, and pharmaceuticals.
• This action comes despite a 'historic free trade deal' finalized last year, where South Korea pledged $350 billion investment in the US.
• Trump cites delays by the South Korean parliament in implementing the agreed-upon trade deal as the reason for the tariff hike.
• The decision adds to domestic pressure on Trump regarding inflation, as previous research indicates tariffs burden American consumers.
• The move raises concerns about US credibility in global trade, questioning who will trust American promises after such unilateral actions.

Why It Matters: Trump's 25% tariff hike on South Korea, despite a recent trade deal, jeopardizes US global trade credibility.