{"id":2205229,"date":"2024-05-24T08:00:19","date_gmt":"2024-05-23T23:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2205229"},"modified":"2024-05-23T21:18:41","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T12:18:41","slug":"south-koreas-chip-industry-faces-uphill-battle-despite-massive-support-package","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/05\/south-koreas-chip-industry-faces-uphill-battle-despite-massive-support-package\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea\u2019s chip industry faces uphill battle despite massive support package"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea unveiled a $19 billion (26 trillion won) <\/span>support package<\/span><\/a> for its semiconductor industry on Thursday, aimed at bolstering the country\u2019s position in the global chip market. The package includes financial programs, research and development (R&D) initiatives and infrastructure support for various industry players, with a significant portion allocated to infrastructure investment through the state-run Korea Development Bank.<\/span><\/p>\n South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized during an interagency meeting on economic issues that the package will focus on supporting the entire semiconductor supply chain, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The government plans to extend tax breaks, expedite administrative procedures for the semiconductor mega cluster project in Gyeonggi Province and invest in nurturing talent for R&D projects. Detailed supportive measures will be finalized by next month, with plans for the system semiconductor field available by August.<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n South Korea\u2019s $19 billion semiconductor support package aims to bolster the country\u2019s position in the global chip market. However, the package does not directly address several key challenges, such as the country\u2019s <\/span>declining global chip market share<\/span><\/a>, competition from aggressive <\/span>reshoring efforts<\/span><\/a> by the U.S. and the <\/span>shortage of skilled workers<\/span><\/a> in the sector.<\/span><\/p>\n The success of the semiconductor mega cluster also hinges on the availability of reliable power sources. Yoon\u2019s preference for <\/span>nuclear energy<\/span><\/a> will face opposition from the Democratic Party, which could retake the presidency in 2027, leading to policy uncertainties.<\/span><\/p>\n Moreover, the support package specified $3.7 billion (5 trillion won) for R&D investment in the chip sector from 2025 through 2027. However, this is less substantial compared to Taiwan\u2019s approach. TSMC alone spent $5.7 billion (<\/span>NT$182 billion<\/span><\/a>) on R&D in 2023, concentrating on improving manufacturing processes and component capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, the Taiwanese government offers <\/span>tax incentives<\/span><\/a> for companies that invest at least $186 million (NT$6 billion) in R&D and allocate at least 6% of their revenue to R&D. This focused approach, coupled with government support, may give Taiwanese companies a competitive edge over their South Korean counterparts.<\/span><\/p>\n