Seoul Government Seeking to Minimize Damage

South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo at a press conference on Sept. 29

South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo remarked on Sept. 29 that he is well aware of concerns over the U.S. government’s demand regarding semiconductor manufacturers’ confidential information, and the South Korean government would try to minimize damage.

The U.S. government had a meeting with those manufacturers including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix on Sept. 24, telling them to submit their supply chain, inventory and sales data within 45 days. The U.S. Department of Commerce said that it might force them to do so using the Defense Production Act of 1950.

“The U.S. government demanded the data for the purpose of enhancing the transparency of the industrial supply chain,” the minister said, adding, “According to the U.S. government, the companies can choose whether or not to submit the data.”

He also said that he recently visited the United States and asked for more incentives for South Korean companies investing in the United States. “The U.S. Congress is discussing such incentives and I will continue to pay attention to the progress of the discussions,” he said, continuing, “A U.S.-EU conference is underway regarding key technology export control, new technological standards, and so on and the South Korean government will continue to have talks with them so that our opinions can be reflected.”

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