South Korea Dodges US Tariff Axe: Samsung and SK Hynix in the Clear

South Korea's principal trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, confirmed Thursday that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are exempt from the U.S.'s looming 100% tariff on semiconductor imports.

In a strategic maneuver, South Korea is positioned to secure the most favorable tariff rates among other nations under current trade negotiations between Washington and Seoul, though Yeo offered little in the way of specifics.

With investments in Austin and Taylor, Texas, Samsung is poised to sidestep new U.S. tariffs, reciprocating by joining Apple's supply chain. Meanwhile, SK Hynix's Indiana facility plans raise questions on tariff exemptions, but investors remain optimistic, buoying both companies' stock prices.