South Korea’s final push in Washington seals $350bn trade investment pact

Mace | 31st July 2025 | International, Washington
Old fortress gate with light trails at downtown

South Korea secures $350bn US deal, cutting tariffs and pledging major investment and energy purchases.

South Korean government ministers and business leaders converged on Washington this week to press ahead with a high stakes trade negotiation under intense time pressure as the threat of escalating US reciprocal tariffs looms on August 1 2025  South Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo held several hours of discussions with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a final push to secure a deal that reduces US tariffs from the initially proposed 25 per cent to 15 per cent.  Senior executives from South Korean industrial heavyweights including Hyundai Kia Samsung and Hanwha also arrived in Washington to support the delegation as lobbyists in pursuit of clarity on trade terms affecting chip car shipbuilding and battery sectors.  Commerce Secretary Lutnick made clear through prior comments that he expected South Korea to bring its best and final offer to the table indicating urgency in sealing terms before the deadline.  The re...

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.



US House Approves Defence Bill Aimed at Strengthening Europe’s Security

Mace | December 29, 2025

The US House passes a defence bill locking in troop levels and funding Ukraine, signalling continued congressional support for Europe’s security.

US Bars Former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton in Escalating Tech Regulation Row

Mace | December 29, 2025

Washington imposes travel bans on Thierry Breton and others, deepening transatlantic tensions over online regulation, free speech and tech rules.

Kremlin Welcomes New US Security Strategy as Broadly Aligned With Russian Vision

Mace | December 29, 2025

Moscow says a new US security strategy mirrors Russian views on stability and dialogue, prompting mixed reactions across Europe and allies.

Thai baht surge to multi year highs tightens squeeze on exporters

Mace | December 16, 2025

Thailand’s baht hits multi year peak, squeezing exporters and forcing policy makers to juggle currency stability, trade competitiveness and fragile economic recovery

Don’t meddle in European democracy, von der Leyen tells Trump

Mace | December 15, 2025

Brussels pushes back against Washington as Ursula von der Leyen warns the Trump administration to stay out of Europe’s democratic choices.

Democratic Led States Sue Trump Over $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee

Mace | December 13, 2025

Twenty US states challenge Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee, arguing it exceeds presidential authority and threatens labour markets.

Beijing Signals Alarm as Investment Slump Rattles China’s Growth Model

Mace | December 13, 2025

China’s leadership acknowledges a sharp investment slowdown, pledging targeted support while avoiding large scale stimulus amid broader economic strain.

EU Lawmakers Seal Overhaul of Pharmaceutical Rulebook

Mace | December 12, 2025

European legislators agree major reforms to medicines law, reshaping market exclusivity, boosting access, and tightening rules on shortages and antibiotics

Moscow Bristles as Brussels Moves to Turn Frozen Russian Assets into Long Term Ukraine Lifeline

Mace | December 12, 2025

Russia threatens legal and economic retaliation as the EU advances plans to leverage frozen Kremlin reserves for sustained Ukrainian financing

Putin and Modi Deepen Strategic Partnership During High-Profile New Delhi Summit

Mace | December 5, 2025

Putin’s visit to India strengthens cooperation on energy, defence and trade as Modi balances Western pressure with long-standing strategic ties to Moscow.