Kim Dong-yeon Visiting the US: "Trump's Tariff Policy Is Self-Harm"

Meeting with Korean Auto Parts Companies
Gyeonggi Province to Serve as Negotiation Channel with Finished Car Companies

Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province who officially declared his candidacy for the presidential election, criticized U.S. President Trump's high tariff policy on the 10th (local time) as "self-harm to the U.S. economy and the international economy."

Governor Kim made these remarks during a local meeting at the Korean auto parts company 'Gwangjin America' immediately after arriving at Detroit Airport in the United States on the same day.

Governor Kim visited Michigan to listen to the difficulties faced by Korean companies operating there due to President Trump's tariff policy and to seek solutions with Gyeonggi Province, where many auto parts companies are concentrated. Ford, GM, and Stellantis, to which our export SMEs mainly supply, are all located in Michigan.

Governor Kim expressed concern, saying, "If the supply chain system is disrupted by Trump's tariff policy, there is a risk of hollowing out Korean industry." This is because small and medium-sized parts companies operating with operating profit margins of 1-2% would find survival impossible if a 25% tariff becomes a reality.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon visited Kwangjin America, a Korean auto parts company located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, on the 10th (local time) and held a meeting with local companies to listen to the difficulties faced by overseas expansion companies. (Photo by Gyeonggi Province)

Employees said, "Even if it is not the U.S. federal government, the state government level can provide significant help," and added, "At the Michigan state level, productive alternatives such as tax reductions or investment support are possible."

Governor Kim organized a 'Tariff Public-Private Joint Response Roundtable' with seven auto parts companies operating locally. This was to discuss joint tariff response strategies with local companies ahead of a meeting with Michigan Governor Whitmer on the following day, the 11th (local time). Governor Kim plans to prepare Gyeonggi Province to serve as a negotiation channel with finished car companies such as Ford and Stellantis.

Governor Kim said, "I came with a sincere and earnest heart. There are many areas where Gyeonggi Province and Michigan can cooperate on automotive issues, and I will do my best from my position."