Seoul and Tokyo Join Hands on Trade

Intermediate | June 4, 2025

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Seoul Japan Trade Ties Strengthen in Uncertain Times

Why Are South Korea and Japan Working Together?

Did you hear the news? South Korea and Japan are working more closely on trade lately. This is happening because countries around the world are worried about new tariffs, which are like extra taxes on imported goods.

What Did Business Leaders Discuss in Seoul?

Recently, business leaders from both countries had a big meeting in Seoul. They talked about how they can help each other, especially with these new trade challenges. It seems they want to be prepared for any economic bumps in the road.

Seoul Japan Trade Ties Focus on Key Industries

Which Industries Are a Priority?

At the meeting, they specifically discussed working together on important technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors. These are super important industries for both South Korea and Japan, and cooperating can make them stronger globally.

What About Energy and Supply Chains?

They also talked about other key areas, like energy and making sure their supply chains are stable. Supply chains are how products get made and moved around the world, and keeping them smooth is vital for businesses.

How Does This Fit into the Bigger Picture?

This move to strengthen ties is also happening alongside broader efforts for regional cooperation. South Korea, Japan, and China recently held a trilateral meeting to discuss economic cooperation and speeding up talks on a free trade agreement, partly in response to global trade tensions.

Why Do These Seoul Japan Trade Ties Matter?

Overall, the message is clear: in a changing global economy with concerns about tariffs and trade stability, South Korea and Japan are choosing to deepen their partnership. It looks like they believe that working together is a good way to handle future challenges and keep their economies strong. These growing Seoul Japan trade ties are aimed at ensuring long-term cooperation and economic resilience.

Vocabulary

Tariff (noun): A tax on goods coming into or going out of a country.
*Example: “The government added a new tariff on imported cars.”
Strengthen (verb): To make something stronger.
*Example: “They want to strengthen their relationship.”
Amid (preposition): In the middle of or during something.
*Example: “The talks happened amid concerns about the economy.”
Concern (noun): A feeling of worry.
*Example: “There are concerns about the new trade rules.”
Cooperation (noun): The act of working together.
*Example: “Cooperation between the two companies is increasing.”
Industry (noun): A group of businesses that provide a particular product or service.
*Example: “The technology industry is growing fast.”
Semiconductor (noun): An electronic material used in computer chips.
*Example: “South Korea is a major producer of semiconductors.”
Supply Chain (noun): The system of people and things involved in getting a product from where it is made to the customer.
*Example: “They are working to make their supply chains more reliable.”
Stability (noun): The state of being steady and not changing.
*Example: “Economic stability is important for businesses.”
Partnership (noun): A relationship between two or more people, groups, or countries that work together.
*Example: “They are deepening their economic partnership.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is one main reason South Korea and Japan are strengthening trade ties?
What specific industries did business leaders discuss cooperating on?
Why are stable supply chains important?
Besides the bilateral meeting, what other regional cooperation is happening?
What is the overall goal of strengthening this partnership?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How can countries work together to face global economic challenges?
What are some other examples of countries cooperating on trade?
How do trade relationships between countries affect everyday people?
Why might new tariffs be a concern for businesses?
What are the benefits of countries having strong economic partnerships?

Related Idiom

“In the same boat”
Meaning: To be in the same difficult situation.
Example: South Korea and Japan are “in the same boat” when it comes to facing global trade uncertainties.

📢 Want more practical tips to improve your English while learning about today’s important topics? Sign up for the All About English Mastery Newsletter!

Follow our YouTube Channel @All_About_English for more great insights and tips.

This article was inspired by: Chosun, May 26, 2025