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South Korea’s presidential office stated Saturday it would assess its response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, but affirmed the ruling would not jeopardize the broader trade relationship between the two countries.
The court, in a six-to-three ruling Friday, invalidated President Trump’s utilize of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the tariffs, including “reciprocal” duties levied against South Korea, according to the Korea Times and Reuters-Yonhap reports. The decision upholds a lower court’s finding and is expected to trigger a complex process of tariff refunds.
The Trump administration had initially imposed a 25 percent tariff on South Korean steel and aluminum imports in April 2025, later reduced to 15 percent following a bilateral agreement. Under the terms of that deal, Seoul committed to investing $350 billion in the United States, as detailed in a chronology of events published by the Korea Herald. The tariffs were presented as a negotiating tactic to secure investment pledges from key trading partners.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, asserted that IEEPA does not grant the president the authority to impose tariffs. “IEEPA contains no reference to tariffs or duties,” Roberts wrote, adding that no president had previously interpreted the act to confer such power. The ruling emphasizes the need for explicit congressional authorization for the imposition of tariffs.
Cheong Wa Dae, South Korea’s presidential office, indicated it would “examine the contents of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and the U.S. Government’s position in a comprehensive manner, and consider (how to respond) in a direction that best serves the national interest,” according to Yonhap News Agency. An official suggested an interagency meeting would likely be convened to discuss potential response measures.
The legal foundation of the trade agreement between South Korea and the Trump administration, which linked tariff reductions to investment commitments, is now in question, according to the National Interest. The ruling leaves uncertainty surrounding the validity of the deal and the future of the pledged $350 billion investment.
The Trump administration is expected to explore alternative legal avenues to maintain the tariffs, but the Supreme Court’s decision significantly limits its options. The South Korean government has not yet announced any specific actions in response to the ruling, and awaits further clarification from Washington.
