South Korea’s New President Lee Pledges to Ease Trade Burdens for Conglomerates

Seoul, June 13 — South Korea’s freshly sworn-in President Lee Jae‑myung has vowed to take action to support domestic companies against global trade headwinds. In a high-level meeting with executives from powerhouse firms like Samsung, Hyundai, and SK Group, Lee assured industry leaders that his administration will streamline regulations and accelerate tariff negotiations with the United States to protect businesses facing international market uncertainties.

Key Takeaways from the Summit

• During the meeting, attended by Samsung’s Jay Y. Lee, Hyundai’s Euisun Chung, and SK’s Chey Tae-won, President Lee emphasized collaboration with business leaders to “minimize difficulties in international competition and expand economic territory” .

• Lee underlined the importance of a “pragmatic, flexible” trade policy to safeguard national interests, and announced plans for working-level negotiations with the U.S. to resolve tariff disputes swiftly .

• Executives expressed concern that current tariff uncertainties are delaying investment decisions. Lee responded at the meeting, “Please tell us what we should do regarding overseas trade situations, and we will do our best to align with those,” affirming his government’s openness .

 Why This Matters

South Korea’s export-driven economy—spanning semiconductors, autos, shipbuilding, and more—relies heavily on stable international trade. With U.S. tariffs looming and other geopolitical pressures at play, this pledge comes as a reassuring signal to both investors and global markets.

• The tariff issue with the U.S., emerging as a major stumbling block during the previous administration, remains a key presentation during early negotiations.

• Lee’s phone call with U.S. President Trump last week included a promise to pursue a “swift resolution” on tariffs—further signalling his pro-business stance .

Political Shift with Business Focus

Lee’s election on June 3 marked a shift from the previous conservative administration. Running on a liberal platform, he promised to support the economy and business-friendly reforms. His actions in just days since taking office — including this engagement with conglomerate leadership — confirm a pragmatic pivot toward corporate cooperation .

Market & Industry Impact

• The Kospi index recently reached its highest level in over a year amid optimism about Lee’s economic policies, including those targeting dividends and capital markets.

• Companies like Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor stand to benefit most directly from tariff relief, as they continue to anchor South Korea’s global export strength.

• This closer government–industry alignment offers a potential buffer against future protectionist policies and risks stalling investment decisions.

What to Watch Next

1. Detailed Timeline: Will Lee’s pledge translate into clear deadlines for resolving U.S. tariff talks?

2. Concrete Measures: Will we see tangible policy changes, such as export credits, eased licensing, or tax benefits?

3. Private Sector Alignment: Will large firms commit to new investments in return for government action?

4. Next Moves by Korea–U.S.: Look out for any joint communiqués following high-level meetings or follow-ups to recent phone discussions.

Bottom Line

President Lee Jae‑myung’s vow to ease regulatory load and unlock tariff discussions signals a pro-business posture that resonates with corporate leaders and investors alike. With the Kospi on the rise and exporters seeking clarity, his approach could shape the economic trajectory of South Korea in the coming months.