Tariffs shouldn't define Korea-U.S. partnership: AMCHAM chief

 

By Lee Jung-woo, Aju Press - A fresh round of U.S. tariffs may cloud the Korea-U.S. economic relationship, but they should not define one of the world's deepest strategic business partnerships, according to James Kim, Chairman and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea.

With Seoul and Washington seeking closer cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing, Kim argued that sustained dialogue—not escalating trade measures—offers the best way to resolve disputes.

"Direct engagement and constructive dialogue offer the best path to resolving complex trade issues," Kim said in an interview with AJP at AMCHAM Korea's office in Seoul.

"Prolonged trade disputes or escalating trade measures can create unintended consequences for companies, workers, consumers and investors on both sides."

Korean companies have become among the largest foreign investors in the United States across semiconductors, batteries, energy and manufacturing, while American companies increasingly view Korea as a strategic technology and production partner rather than simply a consumer market.

Bilateral goods trade reached an estimated $194 billion in 2025, while the United States recorded an $11.3 billion surplus in services trade.

"The U.S.-Korea economic relationship is broader, deeper and more strategic than at any point in its history," Kim said.

"Our economies are deeply integrated, our supply chains are increasingly interconnected, and our companies are creating value together across a much broader range of strategic sectors."

That integration also means tariffs rarely stop at the border.

Higher costs on Korean components ripple through American factories, investors and consumers, while prolonged uncertainty delays decisions on new factories, research centers and regional headquarters.

"Trade frictions rarely affect only one side," Kim said. "The impact would be felt not only by Korean exporters, but also by American companies operating in Korea."

Rather than focusing on individual trade disputes, Kim urged policymakers to keep sight of the broader partnership spanning AI, defense, energy, biotechnology, shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing.

"The goal should not be to determine who wins a trade dispute," he said. "It should be to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of both economies."

Kim also expects bilateral communication to improve with Michelle Steel expected to arrive in Seoul as the first resident U.S. ambassador since Philip Goldberg departed in early 2025.

Turning dialogue into access

AMCHAM has increasingly positioned itself as a practical bridge between governments and businesses.

Its annual Washington Doorknock program brings corporate leaders to meet U.S. administration officials and lawmakers. This year it expanded the initiative with K-Doorknock, giving Korean companies investing in America direct access to senior U.S. policymakers.

From July 13 to 16, an 11-company delegation led by Kim held more than 30 meetings with White House officials, members of Congress, business organizations and policy institutions covering AI, semiconductors, shipbuilding, economic security and advanced manufacturing.

"Our role is not to determine policy outcomes," Kim said. "Our role is to help ensure governments and businesses stay connected, communicate openly and work through issues before they become larger challenges."

Early engagement is particularly valuable in disputes involving tariffs, digital regulation and national security, where policy misunderstandings can quickly escalate.

"Many trade issues become more manageable when there is early engagement and a clear understanding of business realities," Kim said.

Korea has strengths—but competition is intensifying

Kim remains optimistic about Korea's long-term investment appeal, citing its skilled workforce, advanced digital infrastructure and globally competitive industrial base.

"Korea is one of the world's most sophisticated and innovative economies," he said.

Yet AMCHAM's 2026 Business Environment Survey also suggests Korea cannot afford to stand still.

Korea slipped from second to third among preferred Asia-Pacific regional headquarters locations, behind Singapore and Hong Kong. Nearly 69 percent of respondents described the regulatory environment as restrictive or very restrictive.

Kim views the findings as a roadmap rather than a setback.

"The question today is not whether Korea is competitive, but how it can become even more competitive," he said.

AMCHAM members identified labor-market flexibility, internationally aligned regulations and greater legal certainty as the top priorities for reform.

"For businesses making long-term investment decisions, confidence in the policy environment is just as important as confidence in the market itself," Kim said.

AI leadership requires global cooperation

Kim believes artificial intelligence presents Korea's greatest opportunity.

"Korea is exceptionally well positioned to become one of the world's leading AI economies," he said. "Few countries possess such a strong combination of technological capability, industrial depth and digital readiness."

AMCHAM reinforced that message through its AI Forum earlier this month, where it launched the AMCHAM AI Leadership Council to promote cooperation on AI infrastructure, cross-border data flows, semiconductor supply chains and talent mobility.

Kim also dismissed the notion that "sovereign AI" requires technological self-sufficiency.

"The strongest AI ecosystems will combine robust domestic capabilities with open international collaboration," he said.

That message comes as Washington continues to raise concerns over Korean proposals affecting digital platforms, cloud services and cross-border data transfers.

Kim argued that regulation and innovation should reinforce—not undermine—each other.

"I do not see fair competition and innovation as an either-or choice," he said. "A healthy digital economy depends on both."

From trade to long-term investment

Beyond trade, AMCHAM is working with both governments to translate ambitious investment commitments into tangible projects.

Following Seoul's pledge to invest $350 billion in the United States under the Korea Strategic Trade and Investment Deal, AMCHAM has supported implementation through initiatives such as K-Doorknock, Buy America and its Doing Business in the U.S. Seminar.

For Kim, those efforts reflect the evolution of the bilateral relationship.

"My message would be simple: continue investing in the partnership," he said.

"The U.S.-Korea relationship is one of the world's strongest and most dynamic economic partnerships. Today, our two countries are not only important trading partners, but also strategic partners in AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, energy, biotechnology and the industries that will shape the future."

Kim, a former chief executive of GM Korea and former president of Microsoft Korea, said AMCHAM will continue serving as "a trusted bridge" between the two governments and business communities as economic ties grow increasingly strategic.

Source: https://www.ajupress.com/view/20260727101654847