South Korea to Assess Impact of Trump Plan to Raise U.S. Tariffs on EU Cars

The presidential office said Friday it is tracking developments after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to raise tariffs on passenger cars and trucks from the European Union, and that it will analyze any impact on South Korea and respond accordingly.
 
An official said the government has been continuously monitoring follow-up steps to the U.S.-EU tariff agreement.
 
The official said Seoul is also in frequent, close communication with Washington on follow-up measures tied to the South Korea-U.S. tariff agreement, and will work to keep bilateral trade relations stable.
 
Asked about possible effects on the market competitiveness of South Korean products, the official said it would be inappropriate for the government to assess tariff agreements between other countries. The official said Seoul will respond based on the principles of maintaining a balance of benefits under the existing South Korea-U.S. agreement and ensuring treatment that is not disadvantageous compared with other countries.
 
Earlier Friday, Trump said the EU was not properly implementing trade negotiations and announced he would raise tariffs on passenger cars and trucks to 25% starting next week.
 
Some observers have interpreted the move as retaliation after European countries, including Germany, declined U.S. requests to dispatch warships and otherwise cooperate with U.S. operations in the Iran war.
 
Separately, the presidential office said it is paying close attention to a Pentagon announcement that about 5,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany would be withdrawn, citing a global review and possible changes in U.S. force posture. It said it is working closely with the United States so U.S. Forces Korea can remain stationed stably and contribute to a strong combined South Korea-U.S. defense posture.