韩美贸易协议落定：韩国斥资3500亿美元投资美国，换取关税下调与核技术让步

Core Points - South Korea and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding, with South Korea committing to a $350 billion investment in exchange for tariff reductions and concessions on core defense technologies [1] - The agreement provides greater certainty for South Korean automotive and semiconductor manufacturers' export plans [1] Investment Framework - The $350 billion investment framework will direct South Korean capital into strategic industries in the U.S., including shipbuilding, energy, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing [2] - The investment will be limited to commercially viable projects, addressing public concerns about potential aid or unrecoverable losses [2] - The U.S. has agreed to limit South Korea's annual dollar outflow to $20 billion and provide flexibility for adjustments to prevent currency market instability [2] - A special fund will be established by the South Korean government to finance these projects, relying on existing foreign exchange asset returns or issuing foreign currency bonds [2] - An "investment special purpose vehicle" will manage the projects, pooling risks to offset losses from individual projects [2] Tariff Reductions - The U.S. will impose a 15% tariff cap on South Korean imports, with automotive tariffs reduced from 25%, although still higher than the previous free trade agreement rate of 2.5% [3] - The timeline for the reduction of the 25% automotive tariff to 15% has not been specified [3] Semiconductor and Product Treatment - The U.S. has committed to providing South Korea with treatment no less favorable than that given to other major trading partners in the semiconductor sector [4] - Certain supplementary tariffs on specific products, including generics and certain natural resources not produced domestically, will be eliminated [4] Defense Technology Advances - South Korea has confirmed plans to advance the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, a long-standing strategic goal [6] - The agreement includes expanded rights related to uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, with the U.S. reaffirming its commitment to extended deterrence, including nuclear capabilities [6] - South Korea has committed to purchasing $25 billion worth of U.S. military equipment by 2030 and contributing $33 billion to support U.S. troops stationed in South Korea [6]