Samsung to supply enhanced HBM3E memory chips in first quarter

SEOUL, February 03 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics will begin supplying improved versions of its HBM3E products to major customers by the end of the first quarter 2025, with volume production ramping up in the second quarter. The company reported last week that its fourth-quarter 2024 HBM sales grew 1.9 times compared to the previous quarter, slightly below initial projections due to geopolitical issues and preparation for the enhanced HBM3E launch. "We expanded HBM3E supply t

February 3, 2025

Trump's tariff war nerves Korean firms operating in Vietnam

SEOUL, February 3 (AJP) - South Korean companies with operations in Vietnam and Guatemala are growing increasingly uneasy as U.S. President Donald Trump signals the possibility of expanding tariffs beyond Mexico and Canada. Vietnam, which emerged as a key beneficiary of U.S.-China trade tensions, is particularly vulnerable. Trump has repeatedly voiced frustration over the country’s growing trade surplus with the United States, a concern that could now put Vietnam in Washington

February 3, 2025

Naver set to join 10 trillion won revenue club

SEOUL, February 03 (AJP) - South Korean online platform Naver is poised to surpass 10 trillion won ($7.5 billion) in annual revenue for 2024, marking a milestone achieved just six years after reaching 5 trillion won ($3.75 billion) in 2018. The firm is expected to report revenue of 10.65 trillion won ($8 billion) for 2024, up 10.15 percent year-on-year, according to market forecasts. This makes Naver the eighth company in South Korea to reach the 10 trillion won revenue mark withi

February 3, 2025

SK chief to visit Washington to attend forum

SEOUL, February 3 (AJP) - SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won will make his first visit to the U.S. since Donald Trump began his second presidential term, aiming to discuss global economic solutions with influential figures in international politics and business. Chey, who also heads the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), will attend the Trans-Pacific Dialogue (TPD) in Washington D.C. from Feb. 21 to 22. The TPD, hosted by the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies where the

February 3, 2025

US tariffs on Canada, Mexico disrupt operations of Korean manufacturers

SEOUL, February 3 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed sweeping tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, a move that threatens to disrupt South Korean manufacturers with significant production bases in those countries. Announcing the plan on Saturday, Trump vowed to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods, alongside a 10 percent levy on Chinese imports, rattling global markets and raising alarms among multinational corporations. The proposed tariffs

February 3, 2025

Trump launches tariffs on allies, signals wider trade offensive

SEOUL, February 1 (AJP) - President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States is to impose new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China starting Feb. 1, marking a significant escalation in global trade tensions. The White House announced on Friday tariffs of 25 percent on Mexican and Canadian goods and 10 percent on Chinese imports, affecting trade worth about $1.3 trillion annually. South Korean exporters face a double hit from the tariffs, both directly on their U.S. semiconduct

February 1, 2025

SK On completes its three-way merger to boost battery and trading operations

SEOUL, February 1 (AJP) - SK On, South Korea's leading battery manufacturer, completed its merger with SK Enterm on Saturday, finalizing a three-way consolidation that includes SK Trading International (SKTI) announced last July. The merged entity, which will operate under the SK On name, aims to strengthen its raw material procurement capabilities and financial stability in the increasingly competitive global battery market. SK Trading International, which merged with SK On

February 1, 2025

South Korea's monthly exports falls for the first time in 16 months

SEOUL, February 1 (AJP) - South Korea's exports declined 10.3 percent year-on-year to $49.12 billion in January, marking the first decrease in 16 months due to fewer working days caused by the earlier Lunar New Year holiday, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said on Saturday. Data from the ministry shows that the decrease broke a 15-month streak of positive export growth that had continued since October 2023, though daily average exports rose approximately 8 percent com

February 1, 2025

Gala show spotlights China's advancing humanoid robotics

SEOUL, January 31 (AJP) - Sixteen humanoid robots took center stage at China’s annual Spring Festival Gala, performing alongside human dancers in a striking display of the country’s progress in robotics. Watched by hundreds of millions, the performance underscored Beijing’s ambitions to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and automation. The high-profile showcase comes against the backdrop of growing U.S.-China tensions over advanced technology.

January 31, 2025

LG Electronics showcases technologies to consul generals from 11 countries

SEOUL, January 31 (AJP) - LG Electronics showcased its latest technologies to consul generals from 11 countries at its North American headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, on Thursday, the firm said Friday. The diplomatic delegation, coordinated with the Korean Consulate General in New York, included representatives from Canada, Finland, Georgia, Japan, Pakistan, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand, the Philippines, and Türkiye. The visitors met with Thomas Jung, LG Electro

January 31, 2025