WASHINGTON, May 15 (Korea Bizwire) — A majority of Americans believe that investments by South Korean companies in the United States are beneficial to the U.S. economy, according to a recent poll released by the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI), a Washington-based think tank.
The survey, conducted by polling firm YouGov between December 17, 2024, and January 2, 2025, targeted 1,500 adults across 10 states, including Arizona, Michigan, Texas, and New York. The poll measured perceptions of foreign investment and trade policy and has a margin of error of ±8.21 percentage points.
According to the results, 55.6% of respondents said they believe South Korean investment in the U.S. economy is positive—higher than the figures for China (38.99%) and Saudi Arabia (49.9%), but trailing Japan (64.33%) and Germany (62.64%).

Most Americans See South Korean Investment as Positive for U.S. Economy, Poll Finds (Image supported by ChatGPT)
When asked specifically about foreign investment in U.S.-based high-tech manufacturing, 57.2% of respondents viewed South Korean companies favorably—again outpacing China (46.38%) but falling short of Japan (68.8%), Germany (66.43%), and Saudi Arabia (58.6%).
The survey, conducted shortly before the start of former President Donald Trump’s second term, also revealed a divided stance on trade policy. About 26.6% supported higher tariffs, 21% favored tariff reductions, and 35% preferred maintaining current levels. Meanwhile, 34% of respondents said tariffs would benefit the U.S. economy, while 41.5% believed they would be harmful.
The results come as South Korean firms, particularly in the automotive and semiconductor sectors, continue to ramp up their investments in U.S. manufacturing hubs—moves that are increasingly drawing public and political attention in the evolving landscape of global supply chains and economic security.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)