The White House, Washington. July 7, 2025

Dear President Lee Jae-myung

President of the Republic of Korea

Seoul

Dear Mr. President:

I am very honored to send you this letter, which not only reflects the solid foundation and commitment of our trade relations but also indicates that despite the significant trade deficit between the United States and your country, the United States is still willing to continue cooperating with South Korea.

However, we have decided to move forward with your country only on the basis of more balanced and fair trade. Therefore, we sincerely invite South Korea to participate in the United States, the world's largest market, as an excellent economy. We have had discussions about our trade relations for many years, and the conclusion we have reached is that we must eliminate these long-standing and extremely stubborn trade deficits, which are caused by South Korea's tariffs, non-tariff policies, and trade barriers.

Unfortunately, our trade relationship has consistently lacked reciprocity.

Starting August 1, 2025, the United States will impose a uniform tariff of 25% on all goods exported from South Korea to the United States, excluding industry-specific tariffs. Any goods attempting to circumvent this tariff through third-country transshipment will be subject to a higher tax rate.

Please understand that this 25% tariff is far below the level needed to close the U.S.-Korea trade deficit. As you know, if Korean or your country's companies decide to build or produce related products on U.S. soil, they will not be subject to this tariff. In fact, we will make every effort to ensure that the approval process is swift, professional, and standardized—in other words, it can be completed in just a few weeks.

If your side decides to raise tariffs on U.S. goods, regardless of the increase, the United States will impose a corresponding percentage on top of the 25%. Please understand that this action is intended to correct the unsustainable trade deficit that South Korea has created for the United States through tariffs, non-tariff policies, and trade barriers over the years.

This trade deficit has become a significant threat to the U.S. economy and even national security.

We look forward to working with you as your trade partner for many years to come. If your country is willing to open its still-closed trade market to the United States and eliminate your tariffs, non-tariff policies, and trade barriers, we may consider adjusting the contents of this letter.

These tariffs can be modified upwards or downwards based on our relationship with your country. Please trust that you will never be disappointed by the United States of America.

Thank you for your attention to this matter!

With the most sincere regards,

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Donald Trump