South Korea Weighs U.S. Tariff Cut on Japanese Autos

South Korea is reviewing the potential impact of U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signing an order to implement Japan's trade deal that includes a lower 15% tariff on autos imported into the U.S., a Seoul trade official said on Friday. The lower tariffs on Japanese autos are set to take effect seven days after publication of the order. The move would put South Korean automakers at a competitive disadvantage to Japanese rivals, as U.S. tariffs on South Korean auto imports remain at 25%. The trade ministry recently said protecting the auto industry is a priority, given its key role in exports and jobs.