Trump Criticizes South Korea's Tariffs, Sparks Trade Tensions

President Donald Trump has criticized South Korea for imposing higher tariffs on American products than China, claiming their average tariff rate is four times higher. This statement has been refuted by the South Korean government, which asserts that under their free trade agreement with the U.S., the effective tariff on American imports is nearly zero. The South Korean Ministry of Trade plans to clarify these inaccuracies through diplomatic channels. Trump's comments also targeted subsidies for South Korean chipmakers like Samsung, which he called 'unfair,' and he suggested eliminating the CHIPS Act that benefits them. Despite the tensions, Trump offered partnerships to Korean firms in a natural gas project, indicating a mixed approach to U.S.-Korea relations. The U.S. president's remarks highlight ongoing concerns over trade and tariff policies between the two nations.