The agreement that Japan secured has added pressure on South Korea to defuse the threat of high tariffs on its exports to the United States.

South Korea and the United States have been discussing a shipbuilding tie-up that could include investments to modernise U.S. shipyards and more help to repair the U.S. naval fleet as Seoul seeks better tariff terms,

South Korea's efforts to secure a tariff deal with the U.S. are intensifying, with high-level meetings in Washington. The focus is on easing tariffs and fostering cooperation in manufacturing sectors like shipbuilding and chips.