On April 2, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a new round of tariffs, imposing rates as high as 46% on products from Vietnam, 34% on those from China, 32% on Indonesia, and 26% on goods from India—key regions where many South Korean companies have production hubs. This escalation threatens to disrupt the complex global supply chains of these firms. However, for businesses like Hanwha Solutions and OCI, which run solar energy plants in the US, the changing geopolitical landscape could strengthen their competitive position

Samsung Electronics plans to increase DRAM and NAND Flash memory prices by 3-5% in response to potential new US semiconductor tariffs, according to reports from South Korean media. The global tech giant is currently negotiating these price adjustments with major clients, with some customers already beginning contract discussions based on the anticipated increases

US President Donald Trump said he has no plans to suspend tariffs to facilitate trade negotiations, calling this the country's only chance to rebuild its industrial base. He warned that if China does not roll back its 34% retaliatory tariffs on US goods, Washington will slap an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports, raising the total rate to 104%

On April 2, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order launching a new wave of "Liberation Day" reciprocal tariffs on major trading partners, including China, Taiwan, the EU, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Malaysia. Rates range from 10% to 46%, with Vietnam hit hardest. China's overall tariff will rise to 54% when a new 34% levy is added to the existing 20%. The measures take effect on April 9, 2025

Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura recently affirmed that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) commitment to its investments in Japan, particularly in Kumamoto Prefecture, remains steadfast despite tariff escalation threats from the Trump administration. Speaking to Nikkei, Kimura emphasized that the Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM) facility, a TSMC subsidiary, was established to cater to domestic Japanese demand. He further noted that assurances of continued investment have come directly from TSMC's headquarters, minimizing the impact of US tariffs on its Japanese operations

The Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs have disrupted global electronics, with mainboard manufacturers shipping to the US until April 9, after which suppliers will halt shipments, sparking a rush to handle inventory and plan for an uncertain future

US President Donald Trump's latest tariff policy has rattled global markets, pushing industries into rapid damage assessment. While most tech products face varying levels of impact, the smartphone sector appears less directly affected—except for Apple and Samsung, which together dominate the US mobile market

Trump's reciprocal tariffs have thrown the Apple supply chain into a state of flux, highlighting the intricate web of global manufacturing and the escalating trade war. While Chinese manufacturers initially relocated production to Southeast Asia to circumvent previous US-China tariffs, the recent imposition of levies on Southeast Asian nations has forced them to adopt new strategies

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and US President Donald Trump have agreed to initiate bilateral discussions on tariff measures, following a phone conversation on April 7. Prime Minister Ishiba conveyed Japan's deep concerns about the potential impact of US tariffs on Japanese companies' investment capabilities, prompting both nations to assign relevant ministers to commence negotiations

Rapidus, a Japanese semiconductor firm aiming to mass-produce 2nm chips, commenced partial trial production at its facility on April 1, 2025. According to Rapidus president Atsuyoshi Koike, the company is currently in negotiations with approximately 40 to 50 prospective clients, including major US tech giants—collectively known as GAFAM (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft)—as well as emerging artificial intelligence (AI) startups, for chip foundry services

China has imposed new export restrictions on seven medium and heavy rare earth elements—samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium—through a joint directive from the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs. Although intended to curb US access, the move could have far-reaching consequences, with potential disruptions across the robotics sector and its broader supply chain

Samsung Electronics Co.'s quarterly profit beat expectations after strong demand for its Galaxy S25 smartphones and legacy DRAM outpaced slipping margins in the high-stakes AI memory arena

The global electronics industry is bracing for significant disruption after implementing new baseline and reciprocal tariffs announced on April 2. Experts predict that smartphones, personal computers, and servers will be among the first sectors to feel the immediate impact, prompting major manufacturers like Foxconn to adjust their operational strategies rapidly