Trump Eyes South Korean Ship Purchases Amid Push to Revive U.S. Yards

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is open to renegotiating aspects of the bilateral trade relationship with South Korea and is considering ordering ships from South Korean shipyards, according to remarks made during a meeting with South Korean President Lee in Washington on Aug. 25. Trump said South Korea would help the United States “get back into shipbuilding,” framing potential vessel purchases as part of a broader effort to revive domestic production. He also called South Korea a “large buyer” of U.S. military equipment and indicated the two sides will hold “serious discussions” on expanding defense trade. President Lee welcomed deeper economic cooperation, telling Trump that Seoul hopes to collaborate with the United States in shipbuilding, manufacturing and technology. No timeline or contract values were disclosed, but both leaders signaled they expect further talks to refine the scope of any agreements.