The agreement Japan secured has added pressure on South Korea to defuse the threat of high tariffs on its exports to the United States.

South Korea and the United States have been discussing a shipbuilding tie-up that could include investments to modernise U.S. shipyards and more help to repair the U.S. naval fleet as Seoul seeks better tariff terms,

The negotiations are increasing scrutiny on how Washington’s demands regarding defence and regional stability will shape the agreement.