U.S. Must Act Strongly Against South Korea’s Trade Policies Targeting American Companies
Representative Darrell Issa, a Republican member of Congress from California, has called for a strong U.S. response to new trade laws implemented by the South Korean government that target American businesses and citizens.
According to a Competere Foundation report released in October, South Korea’s strict competition rules directed at U.S. technology firms could cost American companies nearly $525 billion in economic growth over ten years. Issa noted this figure equates to approximately $4,000 per American household, directly impacting workers and families nationwide.
“Americans believe in free and fair trade, not global anti-competitiveness that tilts a level playing field against the most innovative American companies,” Issa stated in his recent remarks.
A November report by the National Bureau of Asian Research found U.S. firms operating in South Korea have faced multiple investigations almost regularly, with additional companies encountering periodic scrutiny. The report concluded that the Fair Trade Commission’s enforcement practices are “clearly protectionist when compared with those of other jurisdictions.”
Issa emphasized that the Trump administration has repeatedly warned South Korea that continuing harmful policies would risk the trade agreement, trigger U.S. government investigations, and damage bilateral relations. He also noted President Donald Trump recently met with South Korean Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha to reaffirm “the best cooperative relationship” with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
“Korea is a great nation, and we cherish our eight-decade partnership, but Congress and our country cannot ignore intentional economic harm and damage to American innovation disguised as conventional global regulation,” Issa wrote in his statement.
