South Korea Eyes Taiwan Tie-Up Amid U.S. Chip Tariff Talks

South Korea is exploring closer coordination with Taiwan as both nations navigate U.S. semiconductor tariffs, highlighting a rare moment of regional trade alignment. The country’s Trade Minister, Yeo Han-koo, said that there is room for collaboration to secure the most favourable treatment from the United States.

Seoul recently finalized a deal with Washington that reduces tariffs on South Korean goods in exchange for substantial investments in strategic U.S. sectors. Taiwan, a major competitor in the semiconductor space, is still negotiating its own agreement. South Korean officials suggest the U.S. has pledged that its terms with Seoul will be “no less favourable” than those offered to Taiwan, creating a benchmark for future talks.

U.S. semiconductor tariffs, a key element of the Trump-era economic agenda, may now face delays. Private sources indicate that Washington might postpone imposing them, raising the stakes for South Korea and Taiwan to align their strategies.

The timing comes amid a surge in demand for advanced chips powering artificial intelligence and other technologies. In October alone, South Korea’s semiconductor exports to the U.S. jumped 51.2% to $1.2 billion, signaling the growing importance of the sector in trade discussions.

Experts say that while official discussions between Seoul and Taipei remain unconfirmed, the potential for cooperative approaches could shape the future of the semiconductor market in East Asia, balancing competition with shared strategic interests.