Seoul Asks for Special Treatment as US Considers Tariffs on Chip Imports
The South Korean government has asked the United States to give it special treatment as Washington considers placing new tariffs on imported computer chips. These tariffs could affect South Korean chipmakers, which export large amounts of semiconductors to the U.S.
South Korea’s request comes at a time when the U.S. is reviewing its trade policies to protect American chip manufacturers. If the U.S. applies these tariffs, companies from other countries, including South Korea, may have to pay extra fees when they send chips to the U.S. This could hurt their business and raise costs for American tech companies that rely on foreign-made chips.
Officials from Seoul said that South Korea has been a strong trade partner and has helped support the global supply of semiconductors. They urged the U.S. government to consider this close relationship before making a final decision. They also pointed out that any tariffs on chips could damage global supply chains and hurt industries like smartphones, computers, and electric cars.
The South Korean Ministry of Trade has already contacted U.S. trade officials and shared its concerns. It asked the U.S. to carefully study the impact of the tariffs and to treat South Korean companies fairly. The ministry also reminded the U.S. that South Korea has invested heavily in chip production and supports American businesses with reliable technology.
The United States has not yet announced its final decision. Officials say they are still reviewing the situation and collecting opinions from different groups, including chipmakers, business leaders, and trade experts. The U.S. government wants to protect American manufacturing but also avoid hurting key relationships with allies like South Korea.
Industry experts say that if the U.S. adds new tariffs, it could increase the price of electronics and slow down production in many tech sectors. Both governments hope to find a solution that supports fair trade without disrupting business or global supply chains.
For now, South Korea is waiting for the U.S. to respond to its request and is continuing talks to protect its chip industry and trade ties.