President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the U.S. will charge a 15 per cent tariff on imports from South Korea, down from a threatened 25 per cent, as part of a deal that eases tensions with a top-10 trading partner and key Asian ally.

On Wednesday he announced a 25% tariff rate on goods from India, after months of negotiations between Washington and New Delhi failed to produce a trade deal. He also said a 50% tariff on copper pipes and wiring would kick in on Friday.

The South Korean ministers tasked with negotiating a last-ditch trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump said that to prepare they role-played and solicited tips for engaging with the unpredictable leader.