Overview
- South Korea says an MOU and joint fact sheet on the tariff–investment package are expected this week, with no major differences left to bridge, according to chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik.
- Seoul and Washington finalized details last week tying lower U.S. tariffs to a $350 billion Korean investment pledge, though Seoul voices dissatisfaction with $200 billion designated as cash capped at $20 billion per year.
- President Lee told lawmakers talks with the United States on supplying fuel for nuclear-powered submarines have made progress, framing it as support for more self-reliant defense.
- After President Trump posted that Korea would build nuclear-powered submarines at Philadelphia’s shipyard, Seoul’s national security adviser clarified the request centered on U.S. help with fuel rather than construction location.
- Reporting notes legal barriers under the existing nuclear cooperation pact that limits material to peaceful uses, raising the need for a separate agreement, while experts flag the Philly yard’s lack of SSN infrastructure, decade-long build timelines, and dependency risks if the U.S. supplies sealed fuel modules.