Seoul: South Korean stocks traded higher late Tuesday morning, led by gains of tech and bio shares, despite concerns about the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on the economy and relevant industries. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 14.63 points, or 0.58 percent, to 2,535.9 as of 11:20 a.m.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the index opened higher, tracking U.S. gains, and had maintained the momentum, though Trump officially announced a 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States. Trump also plans to unveil "reciprocal" tariffs later this week, which will take effect almost immediately, he has said.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics rose 0.18 percent, and chip giant SK hynix went up 0.4 percent. Leading bio firm Samsung Biologics surged 4.25 percent, and Celltrion increased 0.56 percent. Auto shares traded mixed. Top automaker Hyundai Motor inched up 0.2 percent, while its sister affiliate Kia dropped 0.63 percent. Leading battery maker LG Energy Solution shed 0.87 percent, and No. 1 steelmaker POSCO Holdings lost 0.63 percent. The local currency was trading at 1,454.20 won against the U.S. dollar at 11:20 a.m., down 3 won from the previous session.