Seoul requests 'special consideration' as US mulls tariffs on semiconductor imports
South Korea has asked the United States to make "special consideration" of its chip exports as the Donald Trump administration is moving to impose tariffs on imported semiconductors, Seoul's industry ministry said Wednesday.
The South Korean government submitted a written opinion to the US administration regarding Washington's national security investigation into semiconductor imports under the US Trade Expansion Act, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
The Trump administration has been looking to impose new tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, with investigations into such imports currently under way.
In its submitted opinion, the Seoul government called for "special consideration" of Korean semiconductor exports to the US, saying that semiconductors and manufacturing equipment made in Korea have "very limited" impact on the US security and supply chains.
The written statement also said Washington's potential tariffs on chip imports may have a "negative" influence on Korean companies' investment plans in the US, including those for artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Seoul also highlighted that the trade balance between the countries in the semiconductor sector is nearly equal, according to the ministry.
"The government will continue close consultations with the US at all levels to minimize any negative impact on Korean companies," the ministry said.
"We will also maintain close communication with industry stakeholders and develop strategic response measures, while continuing joint outreach efforts of the public and private sectors in the US." (Yonhap)
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