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South Korea is signaling potential cooperation with Taiwan as both economies navigate U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed semiconductor tariffs. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo said in a recent radio interview that Taiwan is also in negotiations with Washington, creating “room for South Korea and Taiwan to get the most favourable treatment through cooperation.” His remarks highlight a strategic alignment as both countries seek to safeguard their chip industries amid shifting U.S. trade policies.
Earlier this month, Seoul finalized a trade agreement with the United States that reduces certain tariffs in exchange for major South Korean investments in key U.S. industries, including advanced manufacturing and technology. As part of the agreement, Washington committed that South Korean semiconductor tariffs would be “no less favourable” than any terms that might be offered to another country in a future deal. South Korean officials noted this language appears to reference Taiwan, a major competitor in the global semiconductor market.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s own trade talks with the U.S. remain underway, leaving open the possibility of aligned strategies between the two chipmaking powerhouses. A South Korean government official declined to confirm whether Seoul and Taipei have held direct discussions on the matter.
Complicating the outlook, U.S. officials have privately indicated that the long-anticipated semiconductor tariffs might not be imposed soon, Reuters reported. This potential delay raises questions about the timeline of Trump’s broader economic agenda, particularly as it relates to the semiconductor supply chain and domestic manufacturing goals.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariff actions, South Korean chip exports to the United States remain strong. In October, shipments surged 51.2% year-on-year to $1.2 billion, driven by growing demand for high-performance semiconductors used in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
As both South Korea and Taiwan navigate a rapidly evolving global trade landscape, cooperation could strengthen their position in negotiations with Washington while helping secure competitive advantages in the semiconductor sector.
