Cheong Wa Dae says no details finalized after Lutnick's remarks on 'targeted' chip tariff - Yonhap News Agency

The South Korean presidential office stated on September 3 that no details have been finalized regarding new U.S. tariffs on semiconductors, following remarks by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick... Read original →

The potential U.S. targeted tariff on semiconductors poses a significant threat to global supply chain stability. This move directly impacts TSMC and its ecosystem, increasing costs for upstream suppliers like EUV equipment vendors and downstream chip designers. South Korea’s cautious response reflects its strategic balancing act amid escalating U.S.-China tech tensions. Companies are likely to accelerate supply chain diversification and compliance preparations to mitigate risks. In the short term, capital expenditure may decline, while long-term trends point toward regionalization and self-reliance in tech development. If the U.S. persists with restrictive policies, global innovation networks could undergo fundamental restructuring, with Taiwan, China and South Korea emerging as pivotal battlegrounds in the evolving tech geopolitics.