Lee Jae-yong Returns from 17-Day U.S. Business Trip: "Preparing for Next Year's Business"

Stayed in the U.S. for Over Two Weeks After Departing on July 29
Met with Big Tech Leaders Including Tesla and Apple
Likely Provided Behind-the-Scenes Support for Government Tariff Negotiations

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong has returned to South Korea after completing a 17-day business trip to the United States.

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong is returning to South Korea through Incheon International Airport in the early morning of the 15th after a business trip to the United States lasting about two weeks. Photo by Yonhap News

Arriving at Incheon International Airport in the early morning of the 15th, Chairman Lee responded to reporters asking for his thoughts by saying, "I went to prepare for next year's business." He did not answer questions regarding the specific details of his trip or future investment plans.

Chairman Lee departed from Gimpo Airport for Washington, D.C. on July 29 and spent more than two weeks in the United States. During this period, he reportedly met with local big tech companies and business leaders to explore new business opportunities and strengthen Samsung's global network. There is widespread speculation that he discussed cooperation with Tesla and Apple, and that he provided behind-the-scenes support for the South Korean government's reciprocal tariff negotiations with the United States.

Before Chairman Lee left for the United States, Samsung Electronics announced a foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing) order contract with Tesla worth approximately 23 trillion won. During his subsequent trip to the U.S., it is possible that Chairman Lee visited Tesla to conduct follow-up discussions regarding foundry supply. Under this contract, Samsung Electronics plans to produce Tesla's next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) chip, the AI6, at its new factory in Taylor, Texas. At its foundry plant in Austin, Texas, Samsung will manufacture Apple's next-generation chips. Industry sources believe that Samsung will produce image sensors (CIS) for Apple's upcoming iPhone models.

It is also believed that while in the United States, Chairman Lee supported the South Korean government's reciprocal tariff negotiations, which were concluded through consultations with the Trump administration on July 31. Through direct talks with the United States, the South Korean government reduced the reciprocal tariff rate from the originally planned 25% to 15%. It is reported that fulfillment of South Korean companies' investment plans in the U.S. was a condition for this agreement. Samsung Electronics is also believed to have contributed to the negotiations by establishing plans for semiconductor supply chain cooperation and investment.

Chairman Lee is scheduled to attend the 21st Presidential National Appointment Ceremony being held today, and from August 24 to 26, he will accompany the government's delegation as part of the economic mission for the upcoming South Korea-U.S. summit.