Marketplace Morning Report South Korea hosts President Trump as trade tensions linger
Oct 29, 2025
Yunna Koo, a BBC correspondent reporting from APEC in South Korea, discusses the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and South Korea during President Trump's visit. She details the deadlocked negotiations, highlighting key sticking points such as tariffs and a $350 billion demand. Yunna emphasizes what success looks like for South Korea, including tariff relief and trade balance. Additionally, the podcast touches on Ben Cohen's launch of a Palestinian-themed sorbet and innovative 3D printing efforts to support Syrian hospitals.
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High Stakes In U.S.-South Korea Trade Talks
- Trade talks between Washington and Seoul hinge on tariff cuts and a proposed $350 billion South Korean investment in the U.S..
- South Korea faces a hard choice between paying large upfront sums and protecting its export-driven economy from prolonged 25% tariffs.
Investment Structure Is The Deal Breaker
- The main sticking points are how the $350 billion will be invested and how profits are shared between the countries.
- South Korea fears a large upfront cash payment would damage its economic standing while tariffs hurt exporters.
Balance Cash Payments With Tariff Relief
- Balance any upfront cash commitments with phased or future payments to avoid degrading national economic status.
- Protect export sectors by prioritizing immediate tariff relief, especially on automobiles.