'Trade Diplomacy' Kim Dong-yeon Visits Michigan, Holds Meeting with Local Auto Parts Companies

To find a solution to the 25% automobile tariff, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon, who announced his presidential candidacy, began his first schedule by visiting local automobile parts companies during his business trip to Michigan, USA.

According to Gyeonggi Province on the 10th, Governor Kim arrived at Detroit Airport in Michigan on the 9th (local time), had lunch with a sandwich, and then visited Kwangjin America in Madison Heights, a small town near Detroit.

Kwangjin America is the U.S. subsidiary of Kwangjin Group, which manufactures automobile parts such as window regulators and door modules, and has been selected 22 times as an excellent parts supplier by GM (General Motors).

Governor Kim held a meeting with the executives and employees of Kwangjin America and listened to their difficulties related to automobile tariffs following the inauguration of the Trump administration.

Governor Kim expressed concern, saying, "The 'tariff war' started by President Trump is a form of self-harm to the U.S. economy and the international economy," and "If the supply chain system is disrupted by Trump's tariff policy, it could lead to the hollowing out of Korean industries."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is holding a meeting with company officials during his visit to Kwangjin America, which has expanded into Michigan, USA, on the 9th (local time). Photo by Gyeonggi Province

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He added, "I came with a sincere and earnest heart," and "There are many areas where Gyeonggi Province and Michigan can cooperate on automobile issues, and I will do my best from my position."

The executives and employees of Kwangjin America stated, "Even if it is not the U.S. federal government, the state government level can provide significant help," and "At the Michigan state level, productive alternatives such as tax reductions or investment support are possible."

On the 10th (local time), Governor Kim is scheduled to meet with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to discuss joint strategies related to responding to automobile tariffs. Before the meeting, a 'Tariff Public-Private Joint Response Roundtable' will be held with seven automobile parts companies operating locally.

Governor Kim requested a meeting with Governor Whitmer of Michigan after participants of the 'Pyeongtaek Port Automobile Export Companies On-site Meeting' on the 31st of last month voiced difficulties due to tariff issues, and Governor Whitmer readily accepted the proposal, making this trip possible.

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