A new report suggests that South Korean companies should proactively secure logistics infrastructure in the southeastern United States and along the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – A new report suggests that South Korean companies should proactively secure logistics infrastructure in the southeastern United States and along the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico, anticipating these regions’ emergence as key global supply chain hubs under a potential second Trump administration.
The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) released a report on November 11 titled “Changes in Logistics Supply Chain Under Trump’s Second Term and Its Implications,” predicting an accelerated decoupling from China in supply chains.
The report forecasts a reorganization of logistics networks centered around existing economic allies bound by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and partners like South Korea and Taiwan.
The report recommends developing North America-specific business models that would position South Korean ports as transshipment hubs for Asian strategic allies, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, newly entering North American supply chains.
South Korea’s advanced logistics systems, including customs clearance and port infrastructure, could make it an attractive logistics hub as a key U.S. economic ally.
The KCCI outlined that the government should establish integrated logistics policy governance, create a foundation for cooperation between shippers and logistics providers, and support supply chain infrastructure development to help businesses secure logistics hubs.
Looking ahead, the report anticipates increased U.S. domestic manufacturing investment, particularly in critical industries like semiconductors and secondary batteries.
This shift could transform traditional supply chains, where Korean intermediate goods previously reached the U.S. via China, to a direct route where these components move straight to North America for final assembly.
“Within five years, as critical technology production facilities become fully established, we expect to see increased flow of goods from U.S. domestic consumption to exports, particularly to Asia,” said Lee Sung-woo, director of the Korea-U.S. Logistics Supply Chain Center at the Korea Maritime Institute.
Chang Keunmoo, director of the KCCI’s Institute of Distribution & Logistics, emphasized that “Companies need to explore logistics business opportunities such as third-party logistics (3PL), fulfillment services, and terminal infrastructure operations in light of these supply chain changes.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
