South Korean chipmakers face uncertainty as Donald Trump criticizes the Chips Act, suggesting he may revoke promised subsidies.

The Chips and Science Act allocated US$39 billion in grants to enhance domestic semiconductor production.

Notably, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix received US$6.4 billion and US$458 million, respectively, to support their multibillion-dollar projects in Texas and Indiana.

Trump labeled the act a “tremendous waste of money” while accusing South Korea and Taiwan of undermining the US chip industry.

For companies like Samsung Electronics, which is currently constructing its US facility, worries extend beyond subsidies.