BOK votes 52 to cut interest rates to 3.00
Governor says 3 board members open to more cuts ahead
Rhee says growing trade protectionism clouding outlook

SEOUL, Nov 28 Reuters South Korea39;s central bank delivered a surprise interest rate cut on Thursday and signaled more to come, as economic growth faltered and policymakers turned a wary eye to trade risks from a second Donald Trump presidency.

The Bank of Korea cut benchmark interest rates for a second straight meeting to 3.00, an outcome only four of 38 economists polled by Reuters foresaw. The bank39;s sevenmember board voted fivetwo for the cut.

Governor Rhee Changyong said three board members were open to further easing in the next three months as the return of former president Trump clouds the outlook for South Korea39;s exportreliant economy.

Exports competition with major countries looks to be intensifying while we also took note of uncertainties ahead on the trade environment after Trump39;s election victory, Governor Rhee said in a news conference after the decision.

Thursday39;s rate cut was the first backtoback rate cut since early 2009 as policymakers sought to revive growth now that inflationary pressures seem to have come under control.

Asia39;s fourthlargest economy faces risks of higher tariffs while it39;s biggest trading partner China could potentially face tariffs of up to 60.

South Korea registered a record trade surplus of 44.4 billion with the U.S. in 2023, bigger than that for any of…