[News Today] “US talks under no-less-favorable terms”

[LEAD]
The Trump administration is ramping up tariff pressure on semiconductors, urging greater investment in the United States.

Seoul says it will assess the impact on Korean firms and negotiate based on the agreed principle of “no less favorable terms”.

It's also closely watching Washington's recent semiconductor deal with Taiwan.

[REPORT]
The U.S. government is stepping up pressure on semiconductor tariffs.

Following President Donald Trump's proclamation on chip tariffs, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is also demanding an increase in investment from major semiconductor-manufacturing countries, or else face a tariff of up to 100%.

The Korean government has begun a response led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, and Cheong Wa Dae has also announced its position.

Seoul says it will continue the consultations based on the "no-less-favorable terms" stipulated in the joint fact sheet on tariff talks between Korea and the U.S.

Lee Kyu-yeon / Pres. secretary for public relations and communication
The fact sheet contains a no-less-favorable clause on semiconductor tariffs.
We will hold discussions under that framework.

The government plans to closely analyze the semiconductor agreement concluded lately between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Seoul apparently wants to ensure that Korea receives most-favored treatment and is not put at a disadvantage compared to its rival Taiwan.

The Korean government believes the impact of the latest measures will be limited in the short term.

Yeo Han-koo / Trade Minister (Jan. 17)
Korean makers' exported memory chips are excluded.
But we can't rest assured and will continue close consultations with the industry.

However, there are concerns that the tariff benefits Taiwan has received from the U.S. in return for large-scale local investment could mean greater pressure on Korean companies to invest more in the future.

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