South Korea Pushes China-Free Trade Strategy with US Backing

South Korea is working hard to reduce its dependence on China. To do this, it is strengthening economic ties and boosting investments in the United States. This major shift is happening as trade tensions between the US and China continue, bringing both new risks and fresh opportunities for countries like South Korea.

President Lee Backs Stronger US Ties

According to The Korea Herald, President Lee Jae Myung’s government is focusing on closer cooperation with Washington. Key areas include shipbuilding, energy, and critical minerals. Even though President Lee did not meet US President Donald Trump during the G7 Summit, they are expected to hold talks at the NATO Summit soon.

New Government, New Direction

Since President Lee took office earlier this month, both nations have taken quick steps to improve economic ties. They aim to work together on major industries and begin talks to ease American tariffs on Korean products. Their shared goal is to create long-term stability and shared growth.

Korean Businesses Adapt Fast

South Korean companies are already moving in line with the new plan. The Korea Herald reports that SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won recently met President Lee. They discussed how Korean industries can team up with the US in sectors like AI, semiconductors, and mobility. These efforts directly support America’s push to remove China from its key supply chains.

Korea Zinc Makes a Bold Investment

Korea Zinc made a major move by investing USD 85 million to buy a 5% share in The Metals Company. This Canadian deep-sea mining firm specializes in electric vehicle and clean energy metals. Korea Zinc explained that this investment makes them a vital part of supply chains not tied to China.

The company also made its first shipment of antimony—a key material used in electronics and defense products—to the US. This shows Korea Zinc is expanding its reach into the American market and helping reshape global trade flows.

Experts Predict Faster Business Cooperation

Industry officials expect stronger action soon. One official noted, “Once allied economies such as Korea and the US begin discussing specific areas of cooperation through summits, companies are projected to be in step with them and move quickly.”