Samsung chief heads to Washington as tariff talks deadline with US looms

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong departs for Washington on July 29 2025 Yonhap — Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong. Yonhap

SEOUL, July 29 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong left for the U.S. on Tuesday to lend a hand in ongoing tariff negotiations between Seoul and Washington, according to industry sources.

Lee's trip comes just a couple of days before the tariff deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump looms later this week.

Industry watchers expect Lee may offer Samsung's commitment to expanding investment in the semiconductor sector, as well as deepening cooperation in artificial intelligence-related technologies with the U.S.

It also coincided with Samsung's signing of a record 23 trillion won contract for foundry supply with American electric vehicle giant Tesla the previous day.

Under the deal, Samsung will produce Tesla's next-generation AI6 autonomous driving chips using 2-nanometer manufacturing processes at its facility in Taylor, Texas starting next year.

Calling it a "key milestone for Samsung’s foundry business amid fierce market competition," Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed his expectations on X, praising the partnership as a way to help Tesla maximize manufacturing efficiency. He added he would personally inspect production lines to accelerate progress in the partnership between the two companies.

Market analysts believe the deal will create a favorable atmosphere for the tariff negotiations.

Samsung is currently expanding its American operations with a mega factory under construction in Taylor, in addition to its existing foundry facility in Austin, also in Texas.

Candice Kim candicekim1121@ajupress.com