On January 17th, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick warned on Friday that Korean memory chip producers could face tariffs as steep as 100% unless they agree to boost their investments in the United States. Lutnick emphasized that memory chip companies operating within the US market are confronted with a critical choice: either accept exorbitant tariffs or establish manufacturing facilities domestically, in line with the US's industrial strategy. While refraining from naming specific firms, he highlighted the gravity of the situation. Presently, the Trump administration has refrained from imposing tariffs on the majority of foreign-produced semiconductor goods. Instead, it has directed Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamie Greer to engage in negotiations with trading partners aimed at diminishing the nation's dependence on imported chips. The White House signaled earlier this week that President Trump might unveil fresh tariff initiatives and compensation schemes in the "near future" to spur domestic manufacturing growth.