Seoul Scrambles as Trump Imposes US AI Chip Tariff 25% on Re-exports

A 25% tariff wall is rising around the U.S. AI supply chain. The South Korean government convened an emergency meeting on January 15, 2026, just hours after the Donald Trump administration issued a proclamation to levy heavy duties on specific semiconductor imports.

Trump US AI Chip Tariff 25% Targets Re-export Loophole

According to Yonhap, the new policy specifically targets AI chips imported into the U.S. and then re-exported to third countries. While chips destined for U.S. data centers or domestic consumer electronics remain exempt, the move signals a tightening grip on global semiconductor flows. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan chaired the session to assess the immediate fallout for Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.

Seoul’s Diplomatic Full-Court Press

South Korea isn't sitting idle. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo has extended his stay in the U.S. to negotiate directly with American officials. Meanwhile, Vice Trade Minister Park Jung-sung is scheduled for urgent talks with Jeffrey Kessler, the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, to address Seoul's growing concerns.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) plans to leverage a bilateral deal signed last year. In that agreement, Washington promised Korea tariff rates that are "no less favorable" than those of its direct competitors. Whether this clause protects Korean chipmakers from the 25% levy remains the focal point of current negotiations.