On the 31st, news of a successful trade agreement between Korea and the United States has led to a strong rebound in the stock prices of major stocks during the pre-market (Pre-Market·8 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.).
Hyundai Motor stock was traded at 235,000 won at 8:09 a.m. on the 31st on NextTrade, a level that is 5.38% (12,000 won) higher than the previous day's closing price. Kia is also showing a strong performance in the 4% range.
The stock prices of the so-called 'Big 3' of shipbuilding—HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries—and shipbuilding equipment companies are also on the rise. In addition, the leading Samsung Electronics as well as SK hynix, LG Energy Solution, and Samsung Biologics are all being traded at higher prices than the previous day.
This is interpreted as being influenced by the uncertainty surrounding tariffs due to the Korea-U.S. trade agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump announced through social media (SNS) Truth Social that, according to the complete and comprehensive trade agreement, he has decided to lower the mutual tariff rate on Korea from the existing 25% to 15%. This is on par with major export countries to the U.S., such as Japan and the European Union (EU).
According to President Trump, Korea has agreed to invest $350 billion (approximately 490 trillion won) in the United States. This includes purchasing $100 billion worth of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) and energy, as well as opening up its domestic automotive and agricultural markets.
President Trump also stated that he plans to hold a summit with President Lee Jae-myung at the White House within the next two weeks to announce the details of this trade agreement.