Korea Semiconductor Industry Association (KSIA) expressed concern over the Samsung Electronics union's decision to press ahead with a strike.
Korea Semiconductor Industry Association issued a "semiconductor industry statement on concerns over Korea's semiconductor industry ecosystem" on the 15th, saying, "The impact that would arise from a Samsung Electronics strike is expected to extend beyond the corporation to mid-sized and small partner companies, including domestic materials, parts and equipment (MPE) corporations and design corporations."
Korea's semiconductor industry, despite external uncertainties such as instability in the Middle East, recorded exports of $110.4 billion (about 165.1252 trillion won) in January–April this year, up 148% from a year earlier. The association said, "The semiconductor industry is the mainstay of the Korean economy," adding, "The strong results will play an important role for the semiconductor industry ecosystem, including MPE corporations, in securing technological competitiveness for the age of artificial intelligence (AI)."
In this situation, the association's position is that if the Samsung Electronics union launches a strike, massive losses are a concern. The association said, "Now, as we enter the AI era, this is a very important moment when we must not lose global leadership in semiconductors," adding, "To secure advanced semiconductor technologies required in the AI era while taking the lead in opportunities to expand the market, it is important to strengthen the capabilities of the entire semiconductor ecosystem, including domestic partner companies." The association also emphasized, "We need to move forward at a faster pace than before."
Regarding the Samsung Electronics union's strike, it said, "There are concerns about negative effects across the domestic semiconductor industry ecosystem," adding, "Along with disruptions to semiconductor production, concerns are growing among MPE member companies about the impact across the domestic semiconductor industry ecosystem." It continued, "The semiconductor industry, considering the ripple effects on the national economy and the semiconductor industry ecosystem as a whole, hopes that negotiations between labor and management at Samsung Electronics will be resolved amicably."