Kim Dong-yeon Agrees on Joint Response to Auto Parts Tariffs with Michigan, USA

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon held talks with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and agreed to jointly respond to tariffs on automotive parts.

According to Gyeonggi Province, Governor Kim met with Governor Whitmer on the 10th (local time) at the Lansing State Capitol in Michigan and agreed to establish a "Consultative Body for the Co-prosperity of the Automotive Industry" between Gyeonggi Province and Michigan. The province explained that this consultative body is the first strategic alliance between local governments of South Korea and the United States to respond to the Trump tariffs. Once operational, the consultative body is expected to enable information sharing and real-time responses to corporate difficulties for the mutual benefit of automotive companies in both countries.

Governor Kim and Governor Whitmer agreed to open a dialogue channel between Korean parts companies and the three major automakers based in Michigan (GM, Ford, Stellantis). This communication channel is expected to serve as a platform to resolve sensitive issues such as supply price negotiations and delivery conditions between domestic companies and U.S. automakers.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is taking a commemorative photo after a meeting with the Governor of Michigan at the Lansing State Capitol in Michigan, USA, on the 10th (local time). (Photo by Gyeonggi Province)

Governor Kim and Governor Whitmer also agreed on expanding incentives for Korean automotive parts companies operating in Michigan, and concurred with the proposal for U.S. automakers to participate in the "Future Mobility Tech Show" scheduled to be held by Gyeonggi Province in Michigan this year.

Governor Kim stated regarding President Trump's tariff policy, "Tariffs are absolutely unsustainable due to the resulting price increases and job losses in the U.S. economy," and added, "We will reflect this in a supplementary budget plan to be prepared soon for Gyeonggi Province’s independent corporate support measures."

Governor Whitmer responded, "Tariffs cannot solve everything and rather put important alliances at risk," adding, "We fully understand the importance of information exchange and platforms. Our opinions are aligned."