Minister for Trade Yeo Han-koo (right) on July 5 shakes hands with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at the latter's office in Washington amid their talks on bilateral trade issues ahead of the July 8 expiration of the grace period for reciprocal tariffs. (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy)

By Jeon Misun

U.S. President Donald Trump has notified Korea of the imposition of a 25% reciprocal tariff on all Korean products from Aug. 1.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said a letter on trade from President Trump released on July 8 at 1:20 a.m. (Korea Standard Time) on the social media platform Truth Social included details on the reciprocal tariff rate and date of effectuation for Korea.

"Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal," the letter said. "Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Korea a Tariff of only 25% on any and all Korean Products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs."

Twenty-five percent is the same rate as that of country-specific tariffs that the U.S. announced on April 2.

"Goods transshipped to evade a higher Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff," the letter added. "If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 25% that we charge."

The ministry said the letter effectively extends the grace period for imposition of the reciprocal tariffs to Aug. 1, pledging to accelerate bilateral negotiations over the remaining period to target key U.S. concerns such as reducing the American trade deficit.

To that end, Seoul will seek to improve domestic systems, streamline regulations and form bilateral manufacturing partnerships.

msjeon22@korea.kr