According to Reuters reporting on May 28, 2025, South Korea’s trade surplus with the United States rose to 55.6 billion dollars in 2024, representing a nearly 25 percent increase from the previous year. The surge was led by automotive exports along with broader industrial manufactured goods that remain competitive in the U.S. market.

The record surplus has heightened U.S. attention on bilateral trade balances. Policymakers and industry groups are discussing the possibility of tariff revisions or adjustments to existing agreements to address the widening gap. Korean officials have signaled readiness to engage in negotiations and to increase imports of U.S. goods and energy in order to preserve stable trade relations.

For American buyers sourcing from Korea, the data indicates continued strength in Korean manufacturing but also the potential for policy-driven cost changes. This reinforces the need to monitor trade negotiations and maintain diversified sourcing strategies.