Seoul – The imposition of tariffs by the United States is projected to significantly inflate the expenses associated with the burgeoning sectors of artificial intelligence (AI) development and semiconductor manufacturing within its borders, potentially escalating costs by over 25 percent. This forecast, delivered by Martin Chorzempa, a distinguished senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), suggests a compelling opportunity for South Korea to emerge as a more attractive destination for foreign direct investment in these critical high-technology domains.

Mr. Chorzempa shared his insights during the 'Korea-U.S. Industrial Cooperation Conference,' an annual forum convened by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Seoul on April 15th. The conference, a collaborative effort with the Korea-U.S. Association, has served since 2021 as a platform for experts from both nations to deliberate on avenues for enhanced economic partnership.

In his address, Mr. Chorzempa elucidated that the ramifications of U.S. tariffs would extend to an inevitable surge in the prices of essential raw materials and crucial components. This inflationary pressure, he argued, would inflict considerable financial strain upon American industries, thereby diminishing the economic viability of domestic AI research and semiconductor fabrication plant construction. Consequently, the heightened capital expenditure required for such ventures within the U.S. is anticipated to steer multinational corporations towards considering South Korea as a comparatively cost-effective and strategically advantageous investment locale.

Choi Joong-kyung, the Chairman of the Korea-U.S. Association, underscored the timeliness of this year's conference, noting its earlier scheduling in April as a proactive response to the swiftly evolving global geopolitical and economic landscape. He expressed optimism regarding the potential for synergistic collaboration between the two nations, stating, "Juxtaposing South Korea's formidable manufacturing prowess with the United States' cutting-edge technological innovation, particularly in the context of President Donald Trump's 'Made in USA' initiative, holds the promise of generating substantial positive outcomes for both economies."

The discourse at the conference also placed significant emphasis on fostering enhanced cooperation within the shipbuilding and defense sectors. Robert Peters, a senior research fellow at the esteemed Heritage Foundation, highlighted the escalating challenges faced by the U.S. Navy due to the burgeoning demand for the maintenance and repair of its aging fleet. This surge in maintenance requirements has strained the capacity of domestic shipyards, creating a bottleneck that is consequently impeding the construction of new naval vessels.

Mr. Peters posited that a strategic alliance with South Korea in the realm of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services could offer a viable solution to alleviate the capacity constraints plaguing U.S. shipyards. By leveraging South Korea's advanced shipbuilding and repair capabilities, the U.S. could free up critical space and resources, thereby mitigating delays in new construction projects and ensuring the readiness of its naval forces.

Furthermore, Mr. Peters advocated for the repeal of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the 'Jones Act,' as a pivotal step towards facilitating deeper cooperation in shipbuilding between the two allies. The Jones Act mandates that all goods transported by water between U.S. ports must be carried on U.S.-flagged vessels, constructed in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed by U.S. citizens. Mr. Peters argued that the elimination of this protectionist regulation would foster greater efficiency and allow for collaborative shipbuilding ventures that could benefit both nations' maritime industries and defense capabilities.

The 'Korea-U.S. Industrial Cooperation Conference' drew the participation of approximately 120 prominent experts and business leaders from both South Korea and the United States. Notable attendees included Park Sung-taek, the First Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea, and James Kim, the Chairman and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM Korea), underscoring the high level of interest and the strategic importance of the discussions held.

The insights shared at the conference underscore a potential paradigm shift in the dynamics of global technology investment. As the United States grapples with the inflationary consequences of its tariff policies, South Korea stands to gain a competitive edge in attracting investments in future-oriented industries such as AI and semiconductors. The established manufacturing infrastructure, technological prowess, and skilled workforce in South Korea position it as an increasingly attractive alternative for companies seeking to mitigate the rising costs associated with establishing and expanding operations within the U.S.

Moreover, the emphasis on shipbuilding and defense cooperation highlights the potential for a more integrated and collaborative approach to addressing the evolving security challenges and industrial demands of both nations. By forging closer ties in these strategic sectors, South Korea and the United States can leverage their respective strengths to enhance their industrial competitiveness and bolster their security alliances. The call to reconsider the Jones Act reflects a growing recognition of the potential benefits of greater openness and collaboration in the maritime domain.

In conclusion, the 'Korea-U.S. Industrial Cooperation Conference' served as a crucial platform for identifying emerging opportunities and addressing critical challenges in the economic and industrial relationship between the two nations. The forecast regarding the impact of U.S. tariffs on key technology sectors, coupled with the discussions on shipbuilding and defense cooperation, signals a dynamic and evolving partnership with the potential for significant mutual benefits in the years to come. South Korea, poised to capitalize on the shifting global economic landscape, stands ready to embrace new opportunities for growth and collaboration with its long-standing ally, the United States.