AMCHAM Brings Together Experts to Address U.S. Trade Policy Shifts and Tariff Impacts on Korea

Business and policy leaders from AlixPartners and Kim & Chang share real-world insights and risk manage strategies amid escalating tariff and geopolitical uncertainty

April 29, 2025 - The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM Korea) hosted its signature 2025 Doing Business in Korea Seminar today at the Conrad Seoul Hotel under the theme “Shaping the Regulatory Environment for Sustainable Trade.” With Korea preparing to host the 2025 APEC Summit for the first time in over two decades, this year’s seminar provided a timely opportunity to examine Korea’s regulatory landscape and global investment competitiveness.

The event highlighted the importance of transparent, predictable regulations in building a resilient and competitive business environment. In particular, AMCHAM shared findings from its recently published 2025 Business Environment Insight Report, which identifies approximately 70 regulatory challenges across 12 key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, the digital economy, energy, and chemicals. According to the report, the proportion of surveyed companies that rated Korea’s business environment as “below average” was 50%, double the percentage from the previous year. Additionally, 57% of companies responded that government policies had negatively impacted their operations in Korea, compared to 36% in 2024.

In his opening remarks, AMCHAM Chairman & CEO James Kim said, “As we mark 100 days into President Trump’s administration and prepare for Korea’s presidential election, the U.S.-Korea economic partnership stands at a critical juncture. To sustain and deepen our cooperation, it is more important than ever to address Korea-specific regulatory challenges and create a more sustainable, transparent trade environment. Strengthening these foundations will not only enhance Korea’s competitiveness as the leading Asia-Pacific headquarters hub but also contribute meaningfully to the success of APEC 2025.

The seminar featured congratulatory remarks from key policymakers including Kim Woni, Vice Chair of the National Assembly’s Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee; Cheong Inkyo, Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; Joy Sakurai, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul; and Park Iljun, Executive Vice Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

Kim Woni, Vice Chair of the National Assembly’s Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee, said, “While Korea is currently experiencing a period of political transition, the Korean economy remains fundamentally strong and resilient against both domestic and external risks. With Korea’s strong democratic foundations, investors can continue to have full confidence in Korea as a stable investment destination.” He added, “I hope that the U.S.-Korea alliance will grow even stronger, creating new synergies across both the economic and security sectors under President Trump’s second administration.”

Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy Cheong Inkyo said, “The APEC Summit in Gyeongju this October will serve as a critical platform attracting global attention. As the Chair of the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is fully committed to defending a free and fair trade system and enhancing Korea’s investment attractiveness through regulatory reform and improvements to the business environment. We will continue to engage closely with AMCHAM and the global business community to deepen the economic partnership between Korea and the United States.”

Joy Sakurai,Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, said, “Congratulations to AMCHAM on this month’s publication of the '2025 Business Environment Insight Report,' which includes key policy recommendations. By aligning Korea’s regulatory framework with global standards, eliminating duplicative policies, and improving market access for U.S. companies, AMCHAM plays a pivotal role in fostering a favorable investment climate.”

Park Il-jun,Executive Vice Chairman of the KCCI, said, “KCCI will continue to work closely with AMCHAM to promote greater collaboration between Korean and American companies and foster a more predictable and consistent investment environment. The APEC Summit to be held this October in Gyeongju will mark a very meaningful milestone for the Korean economy. I hope today’s seminar will serve as an important opportunity to further solidify the foundation for sustainable economic cooperation between Korea and the United States. I kindly ask for your strong interest and active participation in the upcoming APEC Summit.”

Senior executives from AMCHAM member companies also shared their insights through keynote presentations. Sachin Satpute, Executive Vice President and President of Novelis Asia, discussed the importance of sustainability and long-term partnerships in advancing economic resilience. “Novelis, a global leader in aluminum recycling, is driving the circular economy in Korea through ongoing investments and technological innovation. We hope the government will spearhead policies that promote and support efficient resource circulation,” he said.

Vaughn Hall, President of Corning Precision Materials & Korea Region, spoke on how Korea is a strategic base for innovation in a connected world. “Through strong collaboration with the leading Korean partners and government support, Corning has not only developed innovative products and process technologies but has also played a crucial role in supporting Korea’s competitiveness in the global market,” he said.

Rob Porter,Vice President of Public Affairs at Coupang, addressed opportunities for digital innovation and growth. Athar Khan, Director of Global Sales at Delta Air Lines, highlighted Korea’s role as a regional aviation hub.

Director-General Sam Park of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority delivered a special presentation highlighting Incheon’s competitiveness as a global business hub. He said, “This seminar served as a valuable opportunity to showcase Incheon’s investment appeal to both domestic and international stakeholders. We will continue working closely with AMCHAM to create a world-class business environment and advance Incheon’s vision of becoming a global top-ten city.”

The program concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Ji Eun Chung, CEO & Founder of CODIT, which featured all the presenters in addition to Park SangHee, Director of the Foreign Investment Policy Division at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The discussion explored collaborative strategies to promote regulatory reform, sustainable investment, and global competitiveness.

As Korea takes center stage in hosting APEC 2025, AMCHAM reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government partners to enhance Korea’s global investment environment and deepen the U.S.-Korea economic partnership.