东西方中心-美韩商业关系（USKCR）——超越华盛顿和首尔报告（英）-2023.12-47页_1mb

US-Korea Commercial Relations Beyond Washington and Seoul

This report, produced by the East-West Center in Washington in collaboration with partners, examines on-the-ground issues in US-Korea trade and investment through research studies. Key themes include the impact of US "Buy American" policies, large-scale investments by South Korean multinationals, challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) entering the US market, and strategies to foster resilient supply chains.

Major South Korean companies have announced significant investments in the US, exceeding $56 billion, focusing on semiconductors, electric vehicles, biotechnology, and clean energy. This surge is driven by US policies like the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. However, SMEs face barriers such as information gaps and cultural differences.

Guidance for South Korean SMEs entering the US includes navigating site selection, financial planning, legal considerations, and cross-cultural decision-making. The report recommends developing preferential investment zones to ease entry, particularly in rural US areas and Korean provinces, to promote shared growth and reduce risks.

Cross-cultural insights highlight differences in decision-making processes, emphasizing the need for cultural awareness and partnerships. For semiconductor supply chains, Gyeonggi Province in South Korea and Arizona in the US are analyzed as hubs, with policy recommendations for diversifying the semiconductor market and addressing talent shortages.

Overall, the report underscores the need for targeted policies, incentives, and cross-cultural collaboration to enhance US-Korea commercial ties and build stable supply chains.