News
October 30, 2025
Trump announces trade breakthrough with South Korea on Asia trip
US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung agree that Seoul can split its promised $350-billion investment fund into $200 billion in cash to be paid in installments and $150 billion for investments in shipbuilding
**Trump Announces Trade Breakthrough with South Korea on Asia Trip**
SEOUL - President Donald Trump has announced a significant trade breakthrough with South Korea during his ongoing Asia trip, marking a potential win for his administration's efforts to reshape international trade agreements. The agreement, reached with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, involves a major adjustment to Seoul's previously pledged $350 billion investment fund.
According to the announcement, South Korea will now divide the fund into two distinct components. A substantial $200 billion will be provided in direct cash payments, to be disbursed in installments over a specified period. This infusion of capital is expected to boost various sectors of the American economy, fulfilling a key objective of the trade negotiations.
The remaining $150 billion of the fund will be specifically earmarked for investments in the shipbuilding industry. This targeted investment aims to revitalize and strengthen the American shipbuilding sector, creating jobs and fostering technological advancements. The specifics of these investments, including the companies and projects that will benefit, are expected to be detailed in the coming weeks.
The announcement of this agreement comes amid President Trump's broader efforts to renegotiate trade deals and address what he considers unfair trade practices. He has consistently argued that existing agreements disadvantage American workers and businesses. This deal with South Korea represents a tangible outcome of those efforts, demonstrating a willingness from key trading partners to adjust their commitments.
While details regarding the timeline for the cash installments and specific shipbuilding investments remain scarce, the agreement is being hailed by some as a positive step towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship between the United States and South Korea. Further analysis will be needed to fully assess the long-term economic impact of this deal, but the initial announcement suggests a significant shift in South Korea's investment strategy. The White House is expected to release further information regarding the specifics of the deal in the days ahead.
SEOUL - President Donald Trump has announced a significant trade breakthrough with South Korea during his ongoing Asia trip, marking a potential win for his administration's efforts to reshape international trade agreements. The agreement, reached with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, involves a major adjustment to Seoul's previously pledged $350 billion investment fund.
According to the announcement, South Korea will now divide the fund into two distinct components. A substantial $200 billion will be provided in direct cash payments, to be disbursed in installments over a specified period. This infusion of capital is expected to boost various sectors of the American economy, fulfilling a key objective of the trade negotiations.
The remaining $150 billion of the fund will be specifically earmarked for investments in the shipbuilding industry. This targeted investment aims to revitalize and strengthen the American shipbuilding sector, creating jobs and fostering technological advancements. The specifics of these investments, including the companies and projects that will benefit, are expected to be detailed in the coming weeks.
The announcement of this agreement comes amid President Trump's broader efforts to renegotiate trade deals and address what he considers unfair trade practices. He has consistently argued that existing agreements disadvantage American workers and businesses. This deal with South Korea represents a tangible outcome of those efforts, demonstrating a willingness from key trading partners to adjust their commitments.
While details regarding the timeline for the cash installments and specific shipbuilding investments remain scarce, the agreement is being hailed by some as a positive step towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship between the United States and South Korea. Further analysis will be needed to fully assess the long-term economic impact of this deal, but the initial announcement suggests a significant shift in South Korea's investment strategy. The White House is expected to release further information regarding the specifics of the deal in the days ahead.
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Business