South Korea Confirms No Written U.S. Trade Deal Despite Lee’s Remarks on Export Certainty and Need for Further Talks

South Korean officials have provided mixed signals regarding the status of a trade deal with the United States. South Korean President Lee highlighted that a trade agreement with the U.S. would remove export uncertainties, aid South Korean companies in entering the U.S. market, and strengthen the bilateral alliance. However, South Korea's Trade Minister later clarified that no written agreement currently exists between the two countries, emphasizing that "the devils are in the details" and that further negotiations are necessary. Additionally, South Korea's Industry Minister indicated that more discussions are required concerning the setup of fund profits related to the trade arrangements. These statements come in contrast to claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had suggested that a deal was in place. Reuters and other news agencies have reported on these developments, underscoring the ongoing nature of the trade discussions between South Korea and the United States.