Kim Dong-yeon Meets Michigan Governor: "Securing Two Channels for Tariff Response a Major Achievement"

Gyeonggi Province is establishing a consultative body with the state of Michigan in the United States to promote mutual growth in the automotive industry. Additionally, a dialogue channel will be opened between Korean parts companies and Michigan-based automakers such as GM, Ford, and Stellantis. Furthermore, efforts will be made to expand incentives for Korean automotive parts companies operating in Michigan.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 11th that Governor Kim Dong-yeon agreed on four items with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on the 10th (local time) to jointly respond to automotive parts tariffs.

Gyeonggi Province explained that the establishment of the consultative body between the two regions is significant as the first strategic alliance between local governments of Korea and the U.S. to respond to the Trump tariffs, enabling information sharing and real-time response to corporate difficulties for automakers in both countries.

Governor Kim Dong-yeon stated, "Information exchange between companies in both countries is extremely important," and added, "Governor Whitmer actively responded that she wants to play a role in creating a channel for information exchange."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is taking a commemorative photo with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on the 10th (local time). Photo by Gyeonggi Province

Gyeonggi Province is also proceeding with the opening of a dialogue channel between Korean parts companies and the three major automakers based in Michigan (GM, Ford, Stellantis). Gyeonggi expects that once the channel is established, it will help resolve sensitive issues such as supply price negotiations and delivery conditions between Korean companies and U.S. automakers.

Moreover, the province plans to expand incentives for Korean automotive parts companies operating in Michigan and promote the participation of U.S. automakers in the 'Future Mobility Tech Show' hosted by Gyeonggi Province, which will be held in Michigan this year.

Governor Kim explained, "As a result of today's talks, 'two channels' will be secured to respond to tariffs. One is between the local governments of Gyeonggi Province and Michigan, symbolic regions of the automotive industry in both countries, and the other is a channel between Gyeonggi parts companies and GM, Ford, and Stellantis."

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for Gyeonggi Province, said, "Governor Kim Dong-yeon views President Trump's tariff imposition as a self-harming act against the global economy," adding, "Considering the price increases and job losses tariffs will cause in the U.S. economy, it is absolutely unsustainable, and thus he proposed these four items to Governor Whitmer."

Meanwhile, prior to the meeting with Governor Whitmer, Governor Kim met with heads of U.S. subsidiaries of eight companies operating in Michigan, including Hyundai Mobis, Nexen Tire, LS Automotive, LS e-Mobility Solutions, Hanse Mobility, DN Automotive, and BH EVS.