South Korea Launches Trade Security Talks with Semiconductor, AI, and Quantum Firms

Gate News message, April 28 — South Korea's industry ministry held its first public-private trade security dialogue with executives from 10 semiconductor, AI, and quantum companies to address export controls and supply chain regulations.

The meeting focused on U.S. semiconductor export control trends and China's new supply chain management policies. The ministry plans to establish hotlines with industry groups by end-June and expand discussions to include machinery, robotics, and automotive companies.

The initiative comes as U.S. export controls have significantly impacted South Korea's chip sector. Research shows South Korea's semiconductor exports to China and Hong Kong fell approximately 13.7% following October 2022 U.S. controls, with memory chip exports declining 31.9% and unit prices dropping 34.6%. China and Hong Kong accounted for roughly 72% of South Korea's memory chip exports in 2022.