US Think Tank: Trump May Impose More Tariffs on South Korea if Exemption from Iran is Granted

AirdropBlackHole · 2026-04-09T04:26:07+00:00

Victor Cha of CSIS warns that South Korea may face U.S. retaliation if it seeks exemption from Iran for Strait of Hormuz passage. Limited ability for South Korean vessels to navigate the strait and insufficient oil reserves may deter such efforts.

AirdropBlackHole

2026-04-09 04:26:07

Abstract generation in progress

On April 8, Victor Cha, the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), stated that if South Korea obtains an exemption from Iran allowing its ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump may retaliate against South Korea by imposing additional tariffs or punitive duties. Furthermore, even if Iran agrees to allow passage, only a few stranded vessels would be able to navigate the strait, as most of the ships are owned by American or Saudi interests. Among South Korea’s four major refining companies, three are partially owned by the US or Saudi Arabia, except for SK Energy. The think tank noted that given South Korea’s oil reserves can support approximately 26 days, it is unlikely that the South Korean government will take steps to seek an exemption from Iran.

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