[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] Domestic semiconductor companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are expected to submit only minimal information in response to the U.S. government's supply chain information requests.
On the 20th, Moon Seung-wook, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated at the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, and Small and Medium Business Committee hearing, "I understand that our companies are preparing to submit materials to the U.S. after reviewing the information that can be provided without violating contractual confidentiality clauses and domestic laws."
He explained, "If the situation continues where excessively unfair or burdensome information requests are made to our industry, the government will respond more actively," adding, "We are continuously sharing information with our companies and conveying concerns to the U.S. side from multiple angles, including holding face-to-face meetings with the CEOs of the two semiconductor companies."
Regarding demands to disclose details of the semiconductor meeting with Katherine Tai, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Yeo Han-gu, Director-General for Trade Negotiations, said, "We met twice and had very long and close consultations, including confidential discussions lasting over 30 minutes," and "The U.S. government is aware that the Korean government has concerns." He added, "Since the Korea-U.S. summit in May, a director-level semiconductor supply chain consultation channel has been established between the two countries," and "We will soon resume the operation of this channel to continue conveying our concerns."
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