South Korea Increases U.S. Energy Imports Amid Trade Concerns

South Korea is considering increasing its imports of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States as a strategy to diversify its energy sources and address trade surplus concerns ahead of Donald Trump's presidency. The South Korean Energy and Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun highlighted the need to reduce reliance on Middle Eastern oil, particularly as tensions in that region rise. This initiative aims not only to enhance energy security but also to potentially mitigate the impact of Trump's proposed tariffs on trade partners, which he has threatened to implement if countries do not increase their imports from the U.S. Reports indicate that South Korea's energy imports from the U.S. include a planned 5.7 million tons of LNG in 2024. Policymakers are also considering additional support for companies to facilitate these increased imports, reflecting a broader strategy to improve trade relations with the U.S. amid rising scrutiny under the Trump administration.