US plans for targeted chip tariffs could derail Korea’s 3 megaprojects

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has announced plans to impose targeted semiconductor tariffs on companies that do not manufacture chips in the United States. The policy, which ties tariff rates to production facilities in the U.S., aims to pressure foreign companies to invest in American manufacturing. This move could pose challenges for a joint Korean initiative to build massive semiconductor complexes in Yongin and the Honam region, with the goal of establishing Korea as a powerhouse in advanced chips for artificial intelligence.

Lutnick, speaking at the G20 Innovation Ministerial in North Carolina, stated that the administration was working on a "targeted, thoughtful tariff policy" for semiconductors. Companies that build production facilities in the U.S. would not be penalized, while those that don't could expect to pay tariffs. He emphasized that all companies are aware of these impending tariffs.

The new semiconductor tariff regime is expected to offer lower rates to companies investing in U.S. chipmaking while imposing higher tariffs on those that do not. This policy draws a parallel to the previous administration's approach to pharmaceuticals, where tariff relief was given to companies building innovative pharmaceuticals in America and qualifying for most-favored-nation treatment.

The tariffs could extend to finished products containing semiconductors, such as laptops, gaming consoles, and AI data center servers. Politico recently reported that the Trump administration was considering tariffs on these products, which Lutnick confirmed in the interview.

Experts warn that Washington's targeted semiconductor tariffs could backfire on U.S. companies. High tariffs on memory chips exported from Korea could burden U.S. tech giants that import and use those chips. Korean chipmakers, such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which announced plans to spend 800 trillion won building new semiconductor fabs in Korea's southwestern Honam region, may need to persuade the U.S. government to grant exemptions based on workforce considerations and existing investments in the U.S.

The South Korean government has not yet finalized details of the U.S. semiconductor tariff plan. It has stated that it will monitor developments and work closely with the U.S. to ensure that Korean companies are not adversely affected.