Seoul: South Korean stocks traded higher late Monday morning, led by strong gains in tech, chemical, and retail shares, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's plans on further tariff impositions. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 19.72 points, or 0.76 percent, to 2,610.77 as of 11:20 a.m.

According to Yonhap News Agency, top-cap Samsung Electronics rose 0.18 percent and its chipmaking rival SK hynix added 1.67 percent. Leading chemicals manufacturer LG Chem jumped 5.93 percent and Lotte Chemical soared 11.19 percent. Retail giant Lotte Shopping gained 2.95 percent and instant noodle maker Samyang Food advanced 2.52 percent.

Hyundai Motor, the No. 1 carmaker, dropped 2.43 percent and its auto parts affiliate Hyundai Mobis sank 2 percent after Trump said he could impose tariffs on auto imports beginning April 2. The local currency was trading at 1,441 won against the U.S. dollar at 11:20 a.m., up 2.7 won from the previous session.