Editorial Board
Free Trade With South Korea Works
Korus is a valuable agreement, even if it needs a little work.
Everybody calm down.
Photographer: Brendan Smialowski/AFPThankfully, President Donald Trump’s threats to summarily “terminate” the free-trade deal between the U.S. and South Korea have so far proved empty. Now, as the two sides sit down to renegotiate, there’s a chance to make some real improvements.
By most measures, the agreement, known as Korus, has been broadly beneficial since it came into effect in 2012. Trade between the two countries has expanded significantly, tariffs have been greatly reduced, and a crucial strategic alliance -- now being strained by North Korea’s nuclear aggression -- has been strengthened.