Leiden University Student Repository

Wanders, Max (2023)

South Korean Semiconductors Under Pressure: The Effects of the US-China Trade War

Bachelor thesis | Koreastudies (BA)

Although an under-researched subject, South Korea is one of only two countries able to make the most advanced chips fundamental for high-tech and innovation. Against a backdrop of the US-China trade war and the globality of the industry, South Korea has been forced to consider its partnerships. The country’s largest export industry faces challenges from China and is under growing pressure from the United States. Still, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, its two major semiconductor manufacturers, have invested substantially in the United States to take advantage of the country's protectionist subsidizing policies. As a result, South Korea has also implemented policies to boost the competitiveness of its domestic industry, such as the K-Semiconductor Strategy. Finding itself between its defence guarantor and largest trading partner, South Korea has slightly drifted towards the US. Nonetheless, this is not without risk and South Korean semiconductors remain under pressure.

Semiconductors, Trade War, Protectionism, International Relations, Strategy

Author

Wanders, Max

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Jang, S.Y.

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en