Trump Announces Major $350 Billion Trade Deal with South Korea on Asia Tour

GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct 29: U.S. President Donald Trump has finalized a long-awaited trade deal with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during his Asia tour, marking one of the biggest economic agreements between the two allies in recent years.

At the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific forum in Gyeongju, both leaders confirmed details of a $350 billion investment and trade deal that will allow South Korea to avoid steep U.S. tariffs in exchange for major investments in American industries, including shipbuilding, defense, and technology.

“We made our deal — pretty much finalized it. This is a great achievement for both countries,” Trump said at a dinner with Lee and other regional leaders.

President Lee presented Trump with South Korea’s highest civilian honor, the “Grand Order of Mugunghwa”, during a lavish ceremony in Gyeongju. Outside the venue, anti-Trump demonstrators clashed briefly with police, protesting his tough trade policies.

The agreement is expected to strengthen U.S.–South Korea economic and security ties while sending a signal of unity amid rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. Trump also expressed optimism about his upcoming meeting with China’s Xi Jinping, hoping for progress on tariff cuts and fentanyl export controls.