South Korea’s largest automaker, Hyundai Motor, has warned that U.S. tariff pressure could intensify despite a recent Supreme Court ruling limiting broad import duties. Hyundai President Sung Kim urged South Korean lawmakers to quickly approve legislation connected to a $350 billion U.S. investment package under last year’s bilateral trade agreement, saying that without swift action, sector‑specific tariffs on autos, steel, and semiconductors could return or increase.
The trade deal would reduce U.S. tariffs on South Korean imports from 25% to 15%, but the Trump administration has threatened to reimpose or expand tariffs on countries perceived as not fully complying with agreements. Hyundai and its affiliate Kia absorbed roughly 7.2 trillion won (about $5 billion) in U.S. tariffs last year, and executives cautioned that similar or higher tariffs could further undermine competitiveness, especially as the industry adapts to electric and autonomous vehicles.
After the Supreme Court decision, the administration imposed a 15% universal import duty and launched fresh investigations, reinforcing uncertainty over future trade measures. Hyundai’s leadership emphasized that timely legislative action in Seoul is critical to preventing renewed U.S. tariff pressure and protecting the company’s global market position.