What U.S.' tariff push means for Korea's semiconductor industry
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s recent comments on semiconductor tariffs were clear: Build in America, and you won’t pay. If not, expect to pay to enter what he called “the greatest market in the world.” He also pointed to the administration’s approach to pharmaceuticals as a model, with 100 percent tariffs on patented drugs, followed by 100 percent tariffs on generic drugs after two…
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's recent comments on semiconductor tariffs have emphasized the administration's "Build in America" policy, urging companies to manufacture domestically or face high tariffs. Lutnick's strategy mirrors the approach taken with pharmaceuticals, imposing 100% tariffs on patented drugs, followed by 100% tariffs on generic drugs after two years, and 200% after three.
This threat is designed to incentivize companies to relocate production to the United States. For Korea's semiconductor industry, the question is no longer whether the U.S. intends to use tariffs as leverage, but how far the administration is willing to go. With four decades of experience in high-stakes commercial disputes, including trade and tariff litigation across multiple jurisdictions, this reporter has witnessed how swiftly government commitments can transform into legal predicaments.
Currently, Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Korea's broader semiconductor industry are at risk of escalation, mirroring the situation described.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- What U.S.' tariff push means for Korea's semiconductor industry koreatimes.co.kr
