Critics in the US call for prudence in imposing Section 232 trade actions, citing their negative consequences including retaliatory measures and possible trade war. And yet in view of Trump’s past trade measures, it is hard to expect him to exempt South Korea from the steel import curbs. Trump’s trade protectionism is nothing new, but his recent remarks targeting South Korea are worrisome. The US has been escalating its demands over the free trade deal with South Korea, which is currently being renegotiated. Last year, China had a US$375-billion (Bt11.77 trillion) trade surplus with the US, more than 16 times that of South Korea.

Source: The Nation Bangkok February 19, 2018 18:00 UTC