Name: U.S.-China trade tensions leave South Korea navigating APEC fallout
Uploaded: 2025-10-30T01:20:34.354Z
Duration: 2 min 23 s
Description: APEC members face economic uncertainty amid rising US-China rivalry—South Korea prepares for potential fallout from high-stakes talks.

APEC members face economic uncertainty amid rising US-China rivalry—South Korea prepares for potential fallout from high-stakes talks.

Gyeongju-si

South Korea is experiencing significant economic shifts as a result of the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. Businesses in sectors such as steel and shipbuilding face challenges from US tariffs and Chinese sanctions, but some see new opportunities as Washington seeks alternative suppliers. 

To mitigate risks, South Korean firms are diversifying their export markets and relocating operations. The broader Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region is also grappling with the complexities of the US-China rivalry, with many economies attempting to balance relations or partially decouple from the two major powers while seeking new partnerships.

U.S.-China trade tensions leave South Korea navigating APEC fallout

Na Ju-yong, overseeing the construction of ship hulls in the South Korean steel town of Pohang, which was already suffering before US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on steel. I'm concerned that it'll become even more difficult due to the US tariffs. But as the US-China trade war intensifies, Na also sees opportunity, as Washington seeks help rebuilding and maintaining its Navy fleet. Because Trump is imposing sanctions on China, more opportunities have come to South Korea. And I believe South Korea must certainly seize this opportunity. An opportunity that's led to Chinese sanctions against Korean shipbuilding firm Hanwha. Across South Korea, businesses of all sizes and most sectors are undergoing major changes driven by the escalating US-China rivalry. Rachel Han once relied on the US as her main export market. She's relocating part of her skincare firm to the US to avoid tariffs, while attempting to diversify in other countries. We are trying to expand more to European countries right now, and also we did a couple of meetings with Serbian company and also Italian company today, and also Bangladesh. Even if Trump and President Xi Jinping ultimately reach a full agreement, will other APEC members like it? Many of the allies sort of caught in a trap where they both want the US and China to come to some kind of deal, but they're all very concerned about their exposure to the consequences of that deal. Because I think the general perception is Donald Trump, the Trump administration, Washington is out for itself. It is America first. And Beijing is showing no sign of backing down. For most APEC economies, that means an almost impossible juggling act, choosing sides or increasingly an attempt to at least partially decouple from the US and China, while seeking new partnerships outside the bloc. Jack Barton, Al Jazeera, Pohang, South Korea.

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