Samsung boss Jay Y. Lee jets off to the US to play a role in trade talks

Samsung has got a lot of exposure to the tariff uncertainty in the United States. Nearly everything it makes, from home appliances to smartphones and even advanced semiconductors would be hit by high tariffs if a suitable trade deal doesn't materialize between the US and South Korea.

As the two countries fine tune the trade deal, top business leaders have accompanied South Korea's delegation to assist in the talk, and Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee has hopped on board as well.

With his lengthy legal issues finally behind him, Jay Y. Lee is now expected to take a more prominent role in helping Samsung navigate the many challenges that it faces across its core business groups.

Samsung has also invested heavily in new advanced chipmaking facilities in the United States. It has also managed to win a significant order from Tesla worth over $16.5 billion to make AI chips for the electric carmaker.

The US happens to be one of its biggest markets for consumer electronics devices, including mobile devices, appliances, TVs, and more. Tariffs could make its products more expensive in the country and thus cost it market share.

Trade talks between the US and South Korea are ongoing, with the countries expected to arrive at an agreement soon. Local media has reported that Jay Y. Lee has flown to Washington in order to support these talks, as the country hopes to strike a deal that benefits it.