Donald Trump Elected U.S. President

Donald Trump has been elected U.S. president, marking a significant comeback after being ousted four years ago. This article explores Asian investment in the U.S., Trump's remarks, and potential shifts in U.S. business policy.

Semiconductors

Asian chipmakers, led by Taiwan's TSMC and South Korea's Samsung Electronics, plan to invest at least $117 billion in the U.S. due to initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on Asia for high-end chips. They have reportedly received or are promised $18.85 billion in grants and support. Trump's stance on these subsidies remains uncertain, as he previously criticized them.

Electric Vehicles

Trump has proposed tariffs over 10% on imports, suggesting it could relieve trade deficits, and particularly targeting Mexican auto imports with tariffs potentially reaching 200%. Honda's COO pointed out that these tariffs could severely impact their operations since 80% of their production is directed to the U.S.

EV Batteries

South Korean and Japanese battery manufacturers operating in the U.S. are preparing for possible rollbacks of clean energy policies and tax credits under Trump. Companies like LG Energy Solution have benefited from U.S. manufacturing credits, making them reliant on such support to avoid losses.

Nippon Steel

Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion acquisition bid for U.S. Steel has faced opposition from unions and Trump, who may block the deal amidst national security concerns. Nippon Steel has committed to investing in U.S. facilities to appease these concerns.

China

Chinese firms are anticipating Trump's return and threats of heavy tariffs, as previous trade wars significantly affected various sectors. Many companies are considering relocating or establishing factories outside of China to mitigate risks associated with potential tariffs. Despite this, some believe Trump's aggressive policies might backfire, easing U.S. efforts to curb Chinese tech advancements.