<Anchor>
The United States, which is focusing on the
semiconductor industry, is offering large subsidies to companies that have invested in the country. Our companies can benefit from it, but it's not just welcome. It has to do with the United States pressuring China in the semiconductor market.

Washington correspondent Kim Yoon-so reports.

<Reporter>

U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan Estevez said that new discussions are underway with the ROK side regarding semiconductor export controls.

As the moratorium on export controls for Korean companies ends in October, we are discussing how to adjust the standards for controlling semiconductor technology.

However, it suggested that advanced semiconductors above a certain level may not be allowed.

[Alan Estevez/Under Secretary of Commerce for Industrial Security: It will stop within the level of NAND technology that we have reached now, and it will also be affected by how China does it.]

The United States imposed export control measures on semiconductors to the public in October last year, with exceptions for Samsung and SK China's factories for one year and separate technical standards.

We're looking at whether to keep this standard or create a new one.

Our government and companies are negotiating with the U.S. side to extend the exception.

We are also interested in whether Korean companies will be able to receive the 10 trillion won US semiconductor subsidy.

Applications for grants will be accepted from next week, including Samsung and SK, which have also announced plans to invest in factories and research centers in the United States.

[Gina Lamondo/U.S. Secretary of Commerce: If you're building factories or doing business in the U.S., you're welcome for Korean companies to apply for grants, which will bring our alliance closer to the United States.]

Commerce Secretary Lamondo revealed the inner workings of U.S.-centrism by saying that the U.S. semiconductor strategy is aimed at China, but that the U.S. wants to become the world's only high-tech semiconductor mass production base.

(Video Interview: Park Eun-hae, Video Editing: Kim Byung-jik)