CES 2025 highlighted advancements from Korean tech giants like Samsung and LG, focusing on AI and robotics. Amid concerns over potential tariffs from President Trump, both companies expressed confidence in adapting their manufacturing strategies. SK Group explored collaborations in AI chips while highlighting their strong market position. Overall, the event showcased preparations for evolving trade dynamics and innovation in technology.
The CES 2025 showcased advanced technologies that could redefine the future, as Korean companies responded to potential trade challenges under the new US administration. Major exhibitors included Samsung and LG, both of which presented their latest AI-driven home automation and robotics innovations. Moreover, SK Group utilized the event to promote its advanced technology offerings, spearheaded by Chairman Chey Tae-won.
With concerns surrounding US President-elect Donald Trump’s potential reintroduction of tariffs on imports, including washing machines, Korean brands expressed eagerness to counteract the forecasted effects. Samsung Electronics’ Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee highlighted the company’s global production strategy, asserting their resilience through diversified manufacturing processes. “Samsung operates many factories worldwide, and our production is not concentrated in a single location,” he stated.
Similarly, LG Electronics CEO Cho Joo-wan shared that the company has proactively developed a detailed plan to navigate potential policy shifts following Trump’s inauguration. “We are prepared to adapt,” Cho affirmed, indicating their readiness to modify manufacturing processes and strategically manage inventory.
In a recent interview, Trump claimed that tariffs on Korean washing machines generated thousands of jobs in the US. The tariffs, implemented in 2018, initially rested at 20 percent for a limited number of units, proceeding to 50 percent for any additional units. In response, Samsung and LG rapidly expanded their manufacturing capabilities in the United States, reflecting their commitment to adapt to changing trade environments.
The companies also unveiled their robotics ambitions following a keynote speech by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Samsung indicated an interest in humanoid robotics pending adequate data acquisition, with a focus on several areas including manufacturing and retail. “We have started investing and are working for technological advancement,” the Samsung CEO reiterated.
On the other hand, LG emphasized its dedication to robotics in sectors such as food and beverage and logistics. LG’s Chief Technology Officer Kim Byong-hoon declared a vision for a “labor-free home,” pinpointing humanoid robots as essential to this innovation.
SK Group’s participation at CES 2025 centered around enhancing customer engagement, with Chairman Chey Tae-won striving to forge connections with key industry players, including discussions with Nvidia about future collaborations in AI chip development. “Until now, SK hynix’s development pace has lagged behind Nvidia’s,” Chey remarked, acknowledging their advancing capabilities in high-bandwidth memory chips, crucial for graphic processing units.
During a tour of the SK showroom, Chey also disclosed the successful sale of glass substrate products, illustrating the group’s commercial engagements at the tech showcase. This multifaceted approach demonstrates Korea’s efforts to secure its competitive edge amidst evolving global trade dynamics.
In the context of CES 2025, tech giants from Korea, including Samsung, LG, and SK Group, capitalized on the platform to showcase their innovative technologies while addressing concerns linked to the incoming US administration under President-elect Donald Trump. The event’s focus included advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and the response strategies to potential tariffs that could impact Korean manufacturers’ operations in the United States.
The CES 2025 event served as a significant opportunity for Korean technology companies to showcase their innovations while proactively addressing potential trade challenges anticipated from the incoming US government. Both Samsung and LG have devised strategic measures to mitigate risks associated with possible tariffs, emphasizing their adaptability and commitment to technological progress. As they continue to explore robotics and AI, the overall narrative depicts a readiness to navigate uncertain trade waters in pursuit of growth and innovation.
Original Source: www.theinvestor.co.kr
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