A must-read look at the trade deals and diplomacy that reshaped U.S.–Korea relations in Q3 2025.

Despite the positive direction of their first in-person meeting, Presidents Trump and Lee still appear to have a lot to finalize on trade.

Reaching such a deal before August 1 allows Korea to compete with trading partners such as the European Union and Japan on a level playing field.

Agreements shed some light on what a realistic deal with South Korea may look like, but also what South Korea may have to contend with.

The U.S. and South Korean governments appear committed to following other countries like the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Japan in making a deal.

As the U.S. and South Korea implement policy and personnel changes that accompany new administrations, both countries continue down the path of engagement.