SK Doubles Samsung's U.S. Lobbying Spending Amid Chip Tensions

In a strategic move reflecting the escalating tensions in the semiconductor industry, South Korea's SK Group has more than doubled its lobbying expenditures in the United States compared to Samsung Electronics. In the third quarter alone, SK spent approximately $1.75 million on lobbying efforts, while Samsung reported $870,000.

This increase in lobbying activity comes as SK Hynix invests heavily in new semiconductor facilities and faces challenges due to U.S. export restrictions affecting its operations in China. The growing complexity of the semiconductor landscape has made lobbying a critical component of SK's strategy to navigate these challenges.

For the first three quarters of 2026, SK's total lobbying expenditures reached $4.9 million, outpacing Samsung's $3.53 million by a significant margin. This trend marks a notable shift, as SK's lobbying efforts have expanded considerably over the past two years, with expenditures rising from $4.32 million in 2024 to $5.77 million in 2025.

Industry analysts suggest that SK's increased lobbying is essential to secure investment incentives and maintain competitiveness in both the U.S. and China. As SK Hynix prepares to open a new advanced packaging facility in Indiana by 2028, the company's lobbying network is expected to grow further, addressing key issues such as semiconductor export controls and legislation related to AI semiconductors.