The South Korean won appreciated to around 1,421 per dollar on Thursday, its highest level in two weeks, supported by growing market optimism following the finalization of the Seoul–Washington tariff deal. According to Kim Yong-beom, the presidential chief of staff for policy, the investment package will include $200 billion in cash installments and $150 billion for shipbuilding industry cooperation, with an annual cap of $20 billion. Under the finalized terms, Washington will maintain its reciprocal duties but lower sectoral tariffs on Korean automobiles and auto parts to 15% from 25%, ensuring Korean exporters remain competitive in the US market. Separately, administrative diplomacy also lifted sentiment, as President Lee Jae Myung prepared to hold summit talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday to discuss economic, security, and technological cooperation.
