Samsung and SK Hynix Secure Exemption from potential U.S. Chip Tariffs

South Korea’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, are expected to be exempt from a proposed 100% tariff on chip imports announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to South Korea’s top trade envoy, Yeo han-koo. The announcement, made Thursday on a national radio program, indicates that South Korea will receive the most favorable tariff rates on semiconductors under the existing trade agreement between Washington and Seoul.

trump’s Semiconductor Tariff Proposal

On Wednesday, Trump stated his intention to impose approximately a 100% tariff on semiconductors imported from nations without domestic production capabilities or concrete plans for establishing them.Tho, he clarified that companies actively investing in U.S. manufacturing would be excluded from these tariffs. While not a formal policy announcement, the statement triggered immediate market reactions and raised concerns about potential disruptions