South Korea braces for US tariffs impact

As auto and chip sectors become new targets, experts warn of economic fallout

South Korea's economy faces mounting pressure as US President Donald Trump prepares to impose higher tariffs, with potential levies on automobiles and semiconductors a key concern for Seoul, experts say.

Targeting key sectors such as semiconductors could backfire on the United States, they said.

Imposing tariffs on semiconductors would be "an act of self-sabotage" for the US because South Korea has alternative export markets, and the US relies on imports from South Korea, said Kim Heungchong, former president of the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy.