South Korea’s Steel Exports to US Drop 19% in March Due to Trump-Era Tariffs

South Korea’s steel companies sent 19% less steel to the United States in March compared to the same month last year. Government officials said the drop happened mainly because of tariffs that the US introduced during Donald Trump’s presidency.

The US government placed heavy tariffs on steel imports from several countries, including South Korea, in 2018. These tariffs raised the price of foreign steel in the American market. As a result, many South Korean companies reduced their steel exports to avoid higher costs and lower profits.

According to data from the Korea Iron and Steel Association, South Korea exported around 150,000 tons of steel to the US in March 2025. This number was much lower than the 185,000 tons exported in March 2024. Experts say the US tariffs continue to make it hard for Korean steelmakers to compete in the American market.

To cope with the loss, some South Korean companies have started focusing more on other markets like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. They are also trying to improve product quality and reduce production costs to stay competitive worldwide.

Trade experts believe the US may keep the tariffs in place for now, even though the Biden administration has discussed trade reforms. Talks between the US and South Korea about easing these restrictions have not made major progress yet.

The South Korean government is supporting its steel industry by offering tax benefits and promoting exports in new regions. It is also urging the US to reconsider or reduce the tariffs to allow fair trade between the two countries.

The steel industry plays a big role in South Korea’s economy, providing jobs and supporting other sectors like construction, shipbuilding, and car manufacturing. So, any drop in exports can affect both businesses and workers.

For now, South Korean steelmakers are adjusting their strategies to face the global challenges and keep their business strong despite tough trade conditions.