US-South Korea Trade Deal Expected Delayed Beyond Trump Visit Due to Complexity

President Donald Trump indicated that a trade deal with South Korea would be finalized soon during his visit and meeting with President Lee Jae Myung, although U.S. officials later confirmed the complexity of the agreement means it will not be completed during this trip. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the deal is "very complicated" with many details still to be worked out, despite significant progress on resolving trade barriers and national security issues. South Korea has pledged $350 billion in investment, with particular emphasis on revitalizing U.S. shipbuilding, a point Trump highlighted as strategically important for economic competitiveness. However, Korean officials have expressed concerns over the demands for a one-time payment and broad U.S. control over the investment, which complicates finalizing the pact. Additionally, Trump opposed deportations of South Korean workers after a U.S. immigration raid, mentioning plans for skilled visas to ease tensions. The leaders are expected to continue discussions on the trade deal and other bilateral issues during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.