South Korean Conglomerates Shift from China to U.S., Tripling Affiliates in a Decade
The global business footprint of South Korea’s major conglomerates has undergone a major transformation over the past decade. As China’s share — once dominant as a production and sales hub — has declined sharply, the United States has taken its place, shifting the center of gravity of Korean compani
Over a decade, South Korea's major conglomerates have significantly shifted their global operations from China to the United States. According to a November 4 survey by CEO Score, the number of U.S. affiliates held by the top 28 conglomerates rose to 1,308 by the end of June 2026, a 232% increase from 394 in 2016. In contrast, affiliate numbers in China fell by 24.4%, from 700 to 529, reducing China's share of total overseas affiliates from 23.1% to 10.7%.
The 28 conglomerates now have a combined 4,935 overseas affiliates, up 1,906 (62.9%) from 3,029 in 2016, with the United States now being the largest overseas base at 26.5%, up from 13.0%. Hanwha Group led the expansion, increasing its U.S. affiliates from 63 to 374, while SK Group saw its affiliates grow from 40 to 243. Combined U.S. affiliates held by the five largest groups — Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG, and Hanwha — surged from 240 to 888, an increase of 648.
In China, Lotte Group reduced its affiliates from 80 to 13, and LG Group decreased from 85 to 50, reflecting business withdrawals and restructuring. The shift is seen as a strategic response to U.S.-China trade tensions and protectionism, as South Korean companies invest in advanced industries like AI semiconductors and data centers to secure future growth.
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