Republican senator urges tariffs on South Korea over treatment of Coupang
Senator Bernie Moreno asked U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to explore Section 301 tariffs against South Korea, citing what he describes as hostile actions toward foreign firms like Coupang.
Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, urging the use of Section 301 authority to consider imposing tariffs on South Korea. Moreno alleges that the Korean government is conducting an "open hostility" campaign against foreign businesses, highlighting strict compliance demands, large monetary penalties, prosecutions of company leaders and uneven regulatory treatment. He specifically referenced the e-commerce firm Coupang as a victim of these practices.
Moreno’s request mirrors the trade actions President Donald Trump took in the past, and he cautioned that new tariffs would complicate ongoing trade talks with a key U.S. ally. The proposal comes amid broader diplomatic friction, including recent reductions in joint military drills and concerns about delayed U.S. investment in the region.
Why it matters
Tariff threats could disrupt U.S.-South Korea trade and affect global supply chains involving Korean firms.
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