Trump: U.S. and South Korea Nearing Trade Deal

According to a report on The Korea Herald website on October 29, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on the 29th that Washington and Seoul are "very" close to finalizing a new trade agreement. He described South Korea as an important economic and security partner for the United States and urged South Korea to increase its investment in American industries.

Delivering a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit in Gyeongju that day, Trump said that the partnership between the U.S. and South Korea remains central to regional stability and economic growth. He emphasized the joint efforts to strengthen industrial cooperation, particularly in the manufacturing and shipbuilding sectors.

Trump said, "We are major partners. We really — we are locked, and we have a very special relationship." Simultaneously, he mentioned that cooperation between South Korean and American companies is continuously expanding, covering various fields such as shipbuilding, steel, energy, and advanced technology.

Trump also underscored the cooperation between the two countries in manufacturing and supply chains, stating that the U.S. is collaborating with South Korean companies to rebuild America's industrial base and enhance resilience in key strategic areas.

Trump said, "During World War II, we [the U.S.] were number one in the world. At that time, we could build a ship a day. Today, we are going to start building ships in a big way, and we are working very closely with South Korea."

The American leader stated that he plans to continue strengthening coordination and cooperation with South Korea in the economic and defense fields.