UK and South Korea Seal 11th-Hour Trade Deal, Averting Tariff Crisis

The United Kingdom and South Korea have finalized a new trade agreement, securing the terms of their commerce just weeks before a critical deadline. The deal directly continues the existing trading relationship. It was essential to complete before the UK's temporary "rollover" of the previous EU-South Korea pact expired. This last-minute agreement prevents a major disruption for British businesses. Without it, UK exporters to South Korea—including major industries like automotive and whisky—faced the sudden return of high tariffs. The successful negotiation ensures that billions of pounds in annual trade will continue without new taxes or barriers. Both governments have stated the new deal provides a stable foundation for future economic cooperation.