Overview
- Seoul and Washington released a joint fact sheet detailing South Korea’s US$350 billion investment pledge in the U.S. in return for reducing U.S. tariffs on Korean cars and parts to 15% from 25%, with future semiconductor tariffs promised on terms no less favorable than rivals.
- Samsung committed 450 trillion won over five years, including a new Pyeongtaek Line 5 chip facility slated to begin operations in 2028 and new AI data centers in South Jeolla and Gumi.
- Hyundai Motor Group plans 125.2 trillion won in domestic investment for 2026–2030 focused on AI, SDVs and robotics, will retroactively cover 2025 U.S. tariff costs for tier-one suppliers, and targets about 10,000 new hires next year.
- SK Group will invest at least 128 trillion won through 2028 with four fabs at its Yongin cluster and says total investment there could rise toward 600 trillion won, while pursuing an AI data center in Ulsan with AWS and supporting 14,000–20,000 jobs annually.
- LG reaffirmed 100 trillion won in spending through 2028 mostly for materials, parts and equipment, as the Bank of Korea said the deal reduces uncertainty though tariff effects on exports may intensify later in the year and implementation details still await finalization.