"Do you support raising tariffs on Korean products?"…When asked the American public, 'unexpected result'

9 out of 10 Americans

Opposition to 'raising tariffs on Korean products'

A local survey found that 9 out of 10 Americans oppose raising tariffs on Korean products.

According to a joint opinion poll by the Washington-based think tank Korea Economic Institute (KEI) and YouGov on the 3rd (local time), only 10% of Americans supported raising tariffs on Korean products. Responses saying the current level should be maintained and those saying they should be lowered were recorded at 33% each.

Aside from Korea, responses saying tariffs on China should be raised were 26%, while responses saying tariffs on Mexico and Canada should be raised were 18% and 15%, respectively. Responses saying tariffs on the European Union (EU) and Japan should be raised were 14% and 12%, respectively, both higher than for Korea.

Also, 68% of respondents assessed that trade with Korea is beneficial to the U.S. economy. A majority also reacted positively to direct investment from allies such as Japan (71%), Germany (70%), and Korea (62%). However, they showed a relatively skeptical view toward investment from China.

It is seen as showing a clear contrast with the protectionist trade-strengthening policies pursued by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Support for the Korea–U.S. alliance also remained high. Sixty-three percent of all respondents said the Korea–U.S. alliance contributes to U.S. national security, and 60% said the level of U.S. Forces Korea should be maintained or increased. Even if North Korea denuclearizes, 46% said the U.S. military presence should be maintained.

Favorable views toward Korea remained stable, with 66% evaluating Korea positively. Korean culture items that positively influenced Korea's image included food 42%, film·cosmetics·artworks each 15%, and K-pop·TV shows 12%.

Perceptions of North Korea remained negative. Only 11.6% of respondents evaluated North Korea positively, 87% said North Korea's denuclearization is important, and 85% emphasized human rights issues. Regarding humanitarian aid, 54% said it is needed.

By country, those seen as 'existential threats' to U.S. security over the next 10 years were ranked as Russia (54%), China (48%), North Korea (37%), and Iran (34%). The percentage saying the Trump administration is handling the North Korea issue well was 28%, a somewhat lower positive evaluation than at the end of the first Trump administration (2020·31%).

Meanwhile, the survey was conducted last month among 1,181 U.S. adults and has a margin of error of ±3.34% points.

Kim So-yeon Hankyung.com reporter sue123@hankyung.com