U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 9 that upcoming negotiations with NATO allies, including South Korea, could extend beyond trade to include military burden-sharing, suggesting a bundled, country-specific approach as the United States begins a 90-day suspension of new tariffs.
“We pay for military over in Europe and we don’t get reimbursed by much. South Korea too,” Trump told reporters at the White House after signing executive orders. “So it would be one of the things we discuss. That’s unrelated to trade, but I think we will make it. Part of it because it makes sense. It’d be nice to wrap it all up in one package for each country. It’s nice and clean.”
His remarks followed the administration’s unexpected announcement of a 90-day tariff pause for all countries except China—an indication of his preference for a “one-stop shopping” approach that ties trade negotiations to broader geopolitical and economic issues.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the president’s position, saying tariff discussions would be tailored to each nation. When asked what Trump aimed to gain during the pause, Bessent said South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan had expressed interest in financing and securing long-term supply contracts from the Alaska LNG project.
The decision to delay tariff implementation came a day after Trump spoke by phone with South Korean Acting President Han Duck-soo. During the call, Trump reportedly conveyed a desire to handle trade and defense cost-sharing issues together in a single negotiation package.
South Korea’s Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo, currently visiting Washington, welcomed the pause, telling reporters it created “room to minimize the impact on our industries.” However, he cautioned that the negotiations would not be resolved in a single round.
Over the next three months, Seoul is expected to concentrate efforts on reducing its tariff exposure. Han, chairing a cabinet meeting on April 10, urged government agencies to accelerate negotiations and emphasized the need for regulatory reforms that could also benefit domestic businesses.
“We must make progress across all talks during the 90-day window to reduce the tariff burden,” he said. “If we ease regulations, it will benefit not only foreign investors but also our own companies. I ask ministers overseeing regulations to make special efforts.”
Analysts say South Korea should act quickly to position itself as a key partner in Washington’s effort to restructure supply chains away from China. While the tariff freeze applies broadly, Trump confirmed that a 125% reciprocal tariff on Chinese imports would take effect immediately.
“With U.S.-China relations worsening, Washington may want to finalize deals with allies like South Korea and Japan quickly,” said Jang Sang-sik of the Korea International Trade Association. He added that industries such as semiconductors, EV batteries, and solar energy components could play a key role in replacing China in critical supply chains.
Some experts suggest South Korea could find strategic advantages in Washington’s bundled negotiation approach. “Energy imports and cooperation in shipbuilding are areas where we could gain,” said Kim Soo-dong of the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade.
Smooth negotiations, however, will require bipartisan support at home. “Reconciling differences among ministries and stakeholders is essential,” said Heo Yoon, a professor at Sogang University. “Regardless of party lines, lawmakers should support the negotiation team and ensure any deal reached is upheld by the next government.”
