메트로신문

'Strategic Alliance' Hyundai Motor and POSCO strengthen cooperation in response to Trump's tariff bomb.

POSCO Group and Hyundai Motor Group are joining forces in the steel and secondary battery materials sectors to respond to the trade war initiated by the Trump administration. On the 21st, Hyundai Motor Group and POSCO Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for mutual cooperation in the steel and secondary battery sectors at Hyundai Motor's Gangnam headquarters in Seoul. The event was attended by executives including Lee Ju-tae, President of POSCO Holdings' Future Strategy Division, and Han Seok-won, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Group's Planning and Coordination Division. With this MOU, Hyundai Motor Group aims to strengthen its competitiveness in key global markets and future new businesses by securing a stable supply of key raw materials for mobility. POSCO Group, on the other hand, plans to expand its presence as a materials company supplying high-quality steel for mobility and secondary battery materials while establishing a new foothold in the North American steel market. POSCO will jointly invest with Hyundai Steel, a Hyundai Motor Group affiliate, in an electric arc furnace steel plant in Louisiana, USA, with a total investment of $5.8 billion. The electric arc furnace system melts iron ore using high-temperature electricity, as opposed to traditional blast furnaces. Hyundai Steel plans to produce 2.7 million tons of hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel plates at this plant starting in 2029. Through this collaboration, Hyundai Motor Group will ensure a stable supply of high-quality automotive steel plates to global major automakers, including Hyundai Motor Group MetaPlant America (HMGMA), Hyundai Motor's Alabama plant, and Kia's Georgia plant. At the same time, POSCO Group will secure a foothold in the North American steel market. POSCO currently operates a steel processing center in North America, including an automotive steel plant in Mexico. Hyundai Motor Group and POSCO Group are also collaborating in the secondary battery materials sector. POSCO Group has secured lithium raw materials through ownership and equity investments in overseas salt lakes and mines, and is producing lithium hydroxide and cathode and anode materials for electric vehicle batteries at both domestic and overseas plants. Hyundai Motor Group plans to actively respond to the global electric vehicle market after the temporary demand stagnation (electric vehicle "chasm"). Additionally, the companies plan to identify areas where synergies can be created, including the development of next-generation materials, in the long term. A Hyundai Motor Group official stated, "Through this MOU with POSCO Group, we will expand business opportunities in global markets such as the U.S. and strengthen the foundation for sustainable growth and leadership in electrification in the future mobility sector." Lee Ju-tae, President of POSCO Holdings, said, "Amid global trade pressure and changes in the industrial paradigm, we believe we can find solutions for sustainable growth across the entire group business, including steel and secondary battery materials, based on the synergy between the two companies." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-04-21 16:42:36 메트로신문 기자

Hyundai announces competition with hybrid leader Toyota… unveils next-generation technology that boosts efficiency by 45%.

Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled its next-generation hybrid system, which improves power efficiency by up to 45%. As the global automotive market faces a prolonged slowdown due to the electric vehicle "demand stagnation" (temporary demand dip), Hyundai is turning its focus to hybrids to strengthen its competitiveness. With this next-generation hybrid technology, Hyundai aims to close the technological gap with global automakers, including Toyota, and secure its position in the global market. At the "Next-Generation Hybrid System Tech Day" held at Crest72 in Jung-gu, Seoul, Hyundai introduced a next-generation hybrid system that improves fuel efficiency by up to 45%. This technology, starting with the large SUV model 'Palisade', will be expanded and applied to other vehicle models. The next-generation hybrid system revealed by Hyundai is a 2.5-generation hybrid system that enhances efficiency and driving performance, with a structure that allows driving on electric power alone. The new transmission, which contains two motors, can be combined with various engine lineups to provide optimized performance and fuel efficiency based on vehicle class and characteristics. By increasing the number of motors from one (P2) to two (P1 and P2), the system improves fuel efficiency and output. The P1 motor transfers power to the engine and distributes driving force, effectively contributing to fuel efficiency improvements. Han Dong-hee, Vice President of Hyundai’s Electrification Development, stated, "We have developed a new hybrid system by combining years of accumulated hybrid system development experience with world-class electrification technology applied to electric vehicles." He added, "We aim to offer customers an environmentally friendly vehicle with excellent performance." Hyundai will apply the next-generation hybrid system to the North American Palisade Hybrid (HEV) model, which is scheduled for release in the second half of this year. Following this, the system will be applied to other Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models. The Palisade 2.5 Turbo HEV boasts a best-in-class fuel efficiency of 14.1 km/L, a maximum output of 334 horsepower, and a peak torque of 46.9 kgf·m. This represents a 45% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the same-class 2.5 turbo gasoline model. Its maximum output and peak torque have increased by 19% and 9%, respectively, while reducing emissions by 34%. Hyundai Motor Group plans to implement the next-generation hybrid system transmission across a variety of engines, covering system outputs from the low 100-horsepower range to the mid-300-horsepower range. Based on this, the company intends to offer a range of hybrid vehicles from small to large and luxury models. The next-generation hybrid system will expand from the current three models to five by 2030. Hyundai plans to introduce a 2.5 turbo hybrid for rear-wheel drive in 2026 and sequentially equip it in key Genesis models, thus extending the hybrid lineup to its luxury brand. In response to the electric vehicle market stagnation, Hyundai Motor Group has shifted its strategy, adopting a two-track approach of increasing both electric and hybrid vehicle production. Hyundai and Kia have decided to produce hybrid cars at the 'Hyundai Motor Group MetaPlant America' (HMGMA) electric vehicle plant in Georgia, U.S., and have started investing in a new line. Initially, HMGMA was set to produce only electric vehicles, but the strategy was changed to include hybrid production in line with market changes. A Hyundai Motor Group official stated, "For the new hybrid vehicles to be launched, we plan to apply the next-generation hybrid powertrain and various electrification-specific technologies in optimal combinations based on vehicle class, vehicle characteristics, and regional market conditions." Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group is set to compete with hybrid leader Toyota, using its next-generation hybrid technology. Toyota sold 4.14 million hybrid cars globally last year, nearly five times the hybrid car sales of Hyundai and Kia (863,780 units). ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-04-20 15:57:51 메트로신문 기자

美, 日에 수입장벽 철폐 요구…"무역적자 0으로 만들 것"

미국이 미·일 관세 협상 과정에서 일본 측에 자동차 안전기준, 쇠고기 검역 수역 등과 관련한 수입 장벽과 제약의 철폐를 요구했다. 19일 NHK, 닛케이 신문 등 다수 일본 현지 언론 보도에 따르면, 지난 16일 일본 아카자와 경제재생상은 미국에 방문해 미국 도널드 트럼프 대통령과 약 50분간 면담했다. 이어 스콧 베선트 재무장관, 하워드 러트닉 상무장관, 제이미슨 그리어 무역대표부(USTR) 대표와 75분간 관세 문제를 논의했다. 미국 측은 일본의 수입차 안전기준을 재검토할 것을 요구하면서 동시에 일본 차에 부과하는 25% 관세에 대해서는 언급하지 않은 것으로 알려졌다. 또, 일본에 수출을 확대하고자 하는 쇠고기와 쌀, 어패류, 감자 등 농산품 품목을 언급하며 관세 이외 장벽과 제약을 제거하라고 요구한 것으로 나타났다. 이번 미국과 일본과의 관세 협상은 무역대표부(USTR)가 준비한 무역장벽 보고서를 토대로 진행됐다. 트럼프 대통령은 아카자와 경제재생상에 "미국 차가 일본에서 단 1대도 달리지 않는다"며 "무역적자를 해소하기 위해 미국 차를 더 많이 수입하라"고도 주문했다. 그러면서 "대일 무역적자를 제로로 만들겠다"는 의향을 표명했다고 현지 언론은 전했다. 이에 일본 측은 "모든 비관세장벽을 바꾸기는 어렵다"며 "우선순위를 매겨 제시해달라"고 요구했다. 한편, 이시바 시게루 일본 총리는 첫 미·일 관세 협상을 마치고 귀국한 아카자와 경제재생상으로부터 협상 내용을 보고받은 뒤, 정부 내 검토와 조정을 가속화할 것을 지시했다. 이카자와 경제재생상은 "대략 관세 협상 주제가 상당히 잡힌 느낌이다. 트럼프 대통령이 무엇을 중시하고 미국 각료들도 무엇을 우선시하는지를 철저히 조사 분석해 다음 협상에 임하겠다"고 밝혔다. 양국은 이달 중 2차 미일 관세협상을 진행할 예정이다.

2025-04-19 14:50:27 안재선 기자

Samsung overtaken by SK, will HBM4 be the counterattack?… Issues with personnel management.

Samsung Electronics has initiated internal personnel reallocations to target the next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market, but concerns are rising within the organization regarding this decision. According to the semiconductor industry on the 16th, Samsung's semiconductor division (DS) recently announced 'occasional job postings' for personnel in the process, equipment, and manufacturing sectors of its foundry business. The job postings are part of the internal "free agent" system, offering employees opportunities for job transitions. This recruitment focuses on strengthening the competitiveness of the HBM business. The Memory Manufacturing Technology Center aims to enhance competitiveness for securing the next-generation HBM market, while the Semiconductor Research Institute focuses on strengthening leadership in HBM and package technology research and development. The Global Manufacturing & Infrastructure Division has also announced recruitment for HBM and new product measurement, analysis, and equipment technology strengthening. Initially, Samsung planned to select a specific number of people for reassignment, but the method was changed to an open recruitment process in response to requests from some business units that need elite personnel for next-generation product development and mass production. Last year, some foundry personnel were reassigned to the Memory Manufacturing Technology Center, and now the reassignment of personnel to accelerate HBM4 development appears to be expanding. The background of this decision lies in the fierce competition from SK hynix and Micron. Unlike Samsung, which has not yet passed the HBM3E quality verification (qualification test) due to issues such as heat generation, SK hynix and Micron are currently supplying HBM3E (5th generation HBM) products to their largest customer, NVIDIA. To make matters worse, Samsung lost its top spot in the global DRAM market to SK hynix. According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, SK hynix's DRAM market share in Q1 of this year was 36%, while Samsung's was 34%. As a result, Samsung has expressed its determination not to repeat the painful failure in the HBM4 market. Young-hyun Jeon, President of Samsung Electronics' DS Division (Vice Chairman), stated at last month's shareholder meeting, "We will significantly increase HBM supply compared to last year to strengthen our position in the market," and "We will develop and mass-produce HBM4 without any issues by the second half of this year." Industry experts view Samsung's move as an unavoidable response. A semiconductor expert explained, "HBM4 is a key component that determines the performance of AI semiconductors, and competitiveness in this market is directly tied to leadership in the entire memory semiconductor industry. Focusing the company's capabilities on HBM4 to make up for the lag in HBM3E is an unavoidable choice." However, the internal atmosphere remains chaotic. Management believes that the surplus personnel from the foundry, due to reduced utilization rates, can be strategically redeployed, but within the foundry business, there are concerns that the depletion of key talent could reduce technical focus, making competition with TSMC even fiercer. There are also reports that morale significantly dropped among employees who remained in the foundry division when some personnel were transferred to the memory division last year. One internal source said, "It’s true that the internal atmosphere is uneasy as foundry personnel are repeatedly transferred to the memory division. The growing sense of relative deprivation due to wage gaps between business units could lead to conflicts between them if this continues." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-04-16 16:15:09 메트로신문 기자

Steel industry forecasts "cloudy" Q1… aiming for a demand rebound in Q2.

Amid sluggish domestic demand and the aggressive push of low-cost Chinese steel products, Korea's major steelmakers are facing tough conditions, and the industry’s Q1 performance is expected to sharply decline. However, with seasonal demand recovery and government anti-dumping measures, there are signs that efforts are being made to turn the tide in Q2. According to industry sources on the 14th, more than 200 construction companies in China purchased a total of 5.14 million tons of construction steel in March, marking a 23.6% increase from the previous month. The estimated purchase volume for April is projected to reach 5.91 million tons. With the seasonal peak period arriving in most regions of China, construction steel demand is rising, leading to optimistic projections that the oversupply in the local steel market may ease somewhat. Chinese steel companies, which produce around 1 billion tons annually, have been shifting export volumes abroad due to domestic stagnation, leading to a surge of competitively priced Chinese steel products into the Korean market, directly impacting domestic steelmakers. The steel industry is facing a tough business environment ahead of Q1 earnings announcements. Securities firms predict poor results for major steelmakers. Financial data firm F&Guide estimates that the combined operating profit of the three major steel companies for Q1 will decrease by 16% year-on-year, totaling approximately 580 billion won. Hyundai Steel's performance is expected to stand out with a significant decline. Hyundai Steel’s Q1 revenue is expected to be 5.5615 trillion won, with an operating profit of 25 billion won, marking a 96% decline from the same period last year. Industry sources suggest that Hyundai Steel's operating profit could potentially fall into the red due to additional costs from a strike at its Dangjin plant and inventory valuation losses, which could total around 90 billion won. Dongkuk Steel is also expected to report disappointing results. Dongkuk Steel’s Q1 operating profit is expected to be 12.6 billion won, marking an 86% decrease from the same period last year. The primary factors behind the decline include reduced sales of rebar and long steel products due to the prolonged slump in the construction sector. POSCO, among the major steelmakers, is expected to perform relatively well. POSCO Holdings' Q1 operating profit is expected to be 565 billion won, a 3.1% decrease from the same period last year. Compared to other steelmakers, this decline is relatively mild, and considering the previous quarter’s operating profit of 95.4 billion won, there is widespread optimism about a significant improvement in POSCO’s performance. The industry remains hopeful for a recovery in Q2. Hyundai Steel, in particular, is seen as well-positioned for a recovery as it has recently resolved labor disputes, which could help normalize production and meet the expected demand surge in the peak season. Additionally, the Korean government’s decision to impose anti-dumping duties of up to 38% on Chinese hot-rolled steel is expected to create favorable conditions for price increases, which is a positive factor. Domestic steelmakers are also taking measures, such as fully shutting down production of long steel products, to maintain supply-demand balance. An industry insider commented, "Given the increasing market uncertainty due to the U.S.'s aggressive tariff imposition, concerns remain that the rise in steel demand in China could be limited. However, there is cautious optimism that both prices and demand have reached their bottom, and we may see gradual recovery moving forward." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-04-14 17:18:31 메트로신문 기자

U.S. excludes tariffs on semiconductors, smartphones, and laptops… Samsung and Apple breathe a sigh of relief.

The U.S. administration under Donald Trump has temporarily exempted high tariffs on key electronic products, such as smartphones, laptops, and semiconductor equipment, providing a brief relief to global electronics companies, including Samsung Electronics and Apple. This decision is interpreted as an effort to consider the impact on domestic big tech companies, as well as to reduce the burden on consumers and related industries. According to reports from Bloomberg and other media outlets on the 13th, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on the 11th (local time) through a notice on "Reciprocal Tariff Exemptions for Specific Goods" that approximately 20 items, including smartphones, laptops, hard disk drives, computer processors, memory chips, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, will be exempt from reciprocal tariffs. This measure will be applied retroactively from 12:01 AM on the 5th of the month, and companies can receive refunds for tariffs already paid. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the entire U.S. electronics industry. In particular, Samsung Electronics and Apple are considered major beneficiaries in the smartphone market. Apple sources 90% of its iPhone production from China, while Samsung Electronics produces about half of its smartphones in its Vietnam plant. Earlier, the Trump administration had announced tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese products and 46% on Vietnamese products, meaning this new decision will relieve both companies from significant tariff burdens. The semiconductor industry has also been somewhat relieved by this decision. The Trump administration included not only finished products like memory chips, DRAM modules, and solid-state drives (SSDs) but also semiconductor manufacturing equipment in the list of tariff-exempt items. This is a positive development for Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, which do not have memory production facilities in the U.S. In particular, semiconductor manufacturing equipment is crucial for future investments in U.S.-based semiconductor plants, and this move is seen as a response to the U.S. policy of attracting semiconductor plants to the country. However, there is also a perspective that this announcement is only a temporary easing measure. President Trump has continuously stated his position that he can impose item-specific tariffs on critical technology products such as semiconductors under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act allows the U.S. president to impose tariffs or other measures to restrict imports of specific items deemed to threaten national security. The U.S. has already applied Section 232 to impose a 25% tariff on steel and automobiles. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is expected to clarify its stance on semiconductor tariffs on the 14th (local time). Initially, a 25% tariff had been proposed, but given the burden on domestic big tech companies, there are discussions about the possibility of adjusting the tariff rate. ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-04-13 16:08:19 메트로신문 기자

전화 기다리는 트럼프, 생각 없는 시진핑…'치킨 게임' 누가 웃을까

도널드 트럼프 미국 대통령과 시진핑 중국 국가주석의 관세 전쟁이 '강 대 강' 치킨 게임으로 치달으면서 출구를 못 찾고 있다. 트럼프 대통령은 대중국 관세를 인상하면서도 시 주석 통화를 촉구했는데, 중국은 전면 거부하고 있어 갈등 장기화가 우려된다. 10일(현지 시간) CNN에 따르면 복수의 백악관 고위 관계자는 이번 중국과 관세 갈등에서 미국이 먼저 손 내미는 일은 없을 것이라고 선 그었다. 트럼프 대통령은 중국이 보복 조치에 나선 탓에 무역 전쟁이 심화했다고 믿고 있으며, 이를 전제로 중국이 먼저 움직여야 한다고 참모들에게 지시했다고 한다. 트럼프 대통령은 전날 중국을 제외한 교역국에 상호 관세를 90일 유예하면서 중국의 보복 조처를 거칠게 비판했다. 대중국 관세를 125%로 인상한 근거로 "중국이 세계 시장에 보여준 존경심 부족"을 들며 비난했다고 뉴시스가 인용했다. 동시에 시 주석의 전화를 촉구하고 있다. 트럼프 대통령은 이날 각료회의를 주재하면서 "우리(미중)가 매우 잘 지냈을 수 있을 거라고 확신하고, 난 시 주석에 큰 존경심을 갖고 있다"며 협상을 기대한다고 밝혔다.전날 백악관 행사에선 "중국은 협상을 원한다. 단지 어떻게 해야 하는지 잘 모를 뿐이다"라며, 중국 역시 협상 의지가 있다고 기대했다.트럼프 대통령의 수사에도 중국은 현재로선 물러서지 않을 것으로 보인다. 소식통들은 미국 관료들이 중국 측에 '시 주석이 먼저 통화를 요청해야 한다'는 입장을 계속 전달했지만, 중국이 거듭 거절했다고 CNN에 전했다.중국 상무부 대변인도 전날 "대화는 열려 있지만, 상호 존중과 평등을 기반으로 이뤄져야 한다"며 "압박과 위협, 협박은 중국과 교섭하는 올바른 방식이 아니다"라고 선 그었다.미국과 중국 간 소통 채널이 부족한 점도 대치 상황을 장기화하고 있다.트럼프 대통령 취임 후 두 달이 넘도록 미중 고위급 대화는 가동되지 않았다. 비공식 채널로 소통을 타진했지만, 결과적으로 상황만 악화됐다. 중국은 전임 바이든 행정부 당시 제이크 설리번 국가안보보좌관과 했던 것처럼 트럼프 행정부와 비공식 채널을 구축하려고 시도 중이다.그중 한 명이 트럼프 대통령의 '1호 친구'인 일론 머스크였다. 머스크는 중국과 깊은 사업적 이해관계를 맺고 있다. 다만 현재까지 별다른 성과는 없다고 한다.트럼프 행정부가 바라는 대화 채널도 받아들여지지 않았다.소식통에 따르면 트럼프 행정부는 왕이 외교부장이 시 주석의 최측근이 아니라고 판단, 대화 상대로 보고 있지 않다고 한다. 미국 행정부가 요청한 대화 채널은 중국이 거부했다고 한다. 체면과 엄격한 의전 절차를 중시하는 중국과 트럼프식 협상 방식이 근본적으로 상충된다는 지적도 있다.일각에선 트럼프 대통령과 시 주석 모두 물러서지 않는 상황에 현재로선 시 주석이 우위를 점하고 있다는 분석이 나온다. 대니 러셀 전 국무부 동아시아 담당 차관은 CNN에 "트럼프 행정부 공격으로 시 주석은 훨씬 더 강력한 정치적 지위를 확보했다"며 "관세로 인한 경제적 고통을 감수하도록 국민들을 설득할 더 좋은 위치에 있다"고 설명했다.

2025-04-11 15:11:21 최규춘 기자

'관세전쟁' 시진핑, 베트남 등 동남아 3국 방문 미국 압박용?

미국과 중국의 관세전쟁 양상이 격렬해지는 가운데 시진핑 중국 국가주석이 동남아시아 3개국을 방문해 협력 관계를 다진다. 중국 외교부는 11일 대변인 명의의 공지를 통해 시 주석이 오는 14일부터 18일까지 베트남과 말레이시아, 캄보디아 등 동남아 3국을 방문한다고 밝혔다. 외교부는 "베트남 또럼 공산당 서기장과 르엉 끄엉 주석의 초청으로 시 주석이 14∼15일 베트남을 국빈방문을 진행한다"며 "안와르 이브라힘 말레이시아 총리와 노로돔 시하모니 캄보디아 국왕의 초청으로 15∼18일 말레이시아와 캄보디아를 국빈방문할 예정"이라고 밝혔다.이번 방문은 시 주석의 올해 첫 해외 순방으로 인근 동남아 국가들과의 협력 강화를 위한 것으로 풀이된다. 특히 도널드 트럼프 미국 대통령이 적성국과 우방국을 가리지 않고 관세전쟁에 나선 가운데 시 주석은 미국의 관세 압박에 동남아 국가들과 공동 대응을 당부할 것으로 보인다. 중국은 최근 미국의 관세 압박에 대응해 유럽연합(EU), 아세안 등과 접촉하면서 다자무역 체제와 공급망 유지 등에 협력할 것을 강조하고 있다.

2025-04-11 15:11:19 최규춘 기자

비트코인, 미중 무역갈등 격화 4% 급락…1억2000만원대 반납

비트코인이 상호관세 유예 효과로 급등한 지 하루 만에 1억2000만원대를 반납했다. 미국 3월 소비자물가지수(CPI)가 예상치를 밑돌았음에도 미중 무역갈등 여파로 조정을 받는 모습이다. 11일 오전 8시50분 기준 비트코인은 국내 가상자산 거래소 빗썸에서 24시간 전보다 1.95% 하락한 1억1793만원을 기록했다.같은 시각 업비트에서는 2.75% 떨어진 1억1799만원에 거래됐다. 가상자산 시황 중계 사이트 코인마켓캡에서는 24시간 전보다 4.01% 빠진 7만9612달러를 나타냈다.시가총액(시총) 2위 이더리움도 전날 상승분을 전부 반납했다. 같은 시각 이더리움은 빗썸에서 2.59% 하락한 225만원을, 업비트에서는 7.82% 떨어진 226만원을 기록했다. 코인마켓캡에서는 8.84% 빠진 1521달러에 거래됐다. 리플과 솔라나 등 주요 알트코인들도 하락 전환했다. 같은 시각 코인마켓캡에서 리플은 4.23%, 솔라나는 5.32%, 도지코인은 4.22%, 에이다는 3.56% 각각 빠졌다.비트코인의 국내외 가격 차이를 뜻하는 김치프리미엄은 1%대를 이어갔다. 글로벌 가상자산 시황 비교 플랫폼 크라이프라이스에 따르면 이날 오전 9시3분 기준 비트코인 김치프리미엄은 1.90%다.시장은 하루 만에 살아난 관세 불안감에 다시 휘청였다. 트럼프 행정부가 중국에 부과하는 합계 관세율이 총 145%인 점이 알려지면서다. 미중 무역 갈등이 재차 격화하자 위험자산 회피심리가 커진 것이다. 예상치를 밑돈 3월 CPI도 소용 없었다. 가상자산 대표 호재인 금리인하 기대감보다 관세 여파가 더 컸던 셈이다. 10일(현지시간) 발표된 3월 CPI 상승률은 2.4%로 전문가 예상을 밑돌았다.이 가운데 트럼프발(發) 리스크가 가상자산 가치를 더 키울 것이란 분석이 나왔다.홍성욱 NH투자증권 연구원은 이날 보고서를 통해 "비트코인은 신용화폐에 대한 헤지 수단으로 탄생했다. 1등 신용화폐인 달러의 신뢰도 훼손은 비트코인 가치 상승으로 이어진다"며 "달러 붕괴라는 비트코인의 꿈을 트럼프 대통령이 돕고 있다"고 진단했다고 뉴시스가 전했다. 그러면서 달러의 영향력을 약화시키는 트럼프발 리스크를 ▲부채한도 협상 불발 ▲미국채 채무재조정 ▲연방준비제도(Fed) 독립성 훼손 ▲트럼프 3선 ▲대미 무역 및 무역적자 축소 등으로 꼽았다.투심도 하루 만에 급격히 악화됐다. 글로벌 가상자산 데이터 조사 업체 얼터너티브(Alternative)에서 집계하는 '공포·탐욕 지수'는 이날 25점을 기록하며 '극단적 공포(Extreme Fear)' 수준을 나타냈다. 전날(39·공포)보다 떨어진 수치다. 해당 지수는 0에 가까울수록 극단적 공포를, 100에 가까울수록 극단적 낙관을 각각 의미한다.

2025-04-11 10:27:51 최규춘 기자

High exchange rates and falling oil prices... Diverging strategies in the refining industry.

Amid the global tariff war sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, international oil prices have plummeted and the value of the won has fallen, causing divergent responses among domestic refining companies. Some are viewing the oil price decline as an opportunity to increase investments, while others are focusing on securing financial stability, with differing strategies in play. As of the 9th, Brent crude was trading at $61.88 per barrel. After China announced it would impose a 84% retaliatory tariff on U.S. products starting on the 10th, Brent crude dropped to $58.40 per barrel during the session. This marked the first time the $60 mark was breached since the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S.-China tensions in 2020. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also showed weakness, closing at $62.35 per barrel on the same day, and dipping below $60 to $59.58 on the previous day. The uncertainty in the refining industry has further increased due to the high exchange rate. As of 3:30 p.m., the exchange rate stood at 1,456.4 won to the dollar. While the date for the implementation of the reciprocal tariffs has been delayed by three months, the market remains tense, with concerns that the rate could surpass 1,500 won. The Korea International Trade Association has forecasted that if the exchange rate rises by 10%, the cost of goods in the 'coal/oil and natural gas' sectors will increase by an average of 3.39%. Typically, refining companies reflect exchange rate fluctuations in product prices, but with both high exchange rates and growing concerns about an economic slowdown, the risk of reduced demand and falling refining margins cannot be ignored, making the impact negative for the industry. As industry uncertainties increase, refining companies are adopting different strategies in response. S-Oil and SK Innovation are making large-scale investments in preparation for a recovery in demand. In particular, S-Oil is undertaking the Shahin Project, which is the largest investment in the history of the domestic petrochemical industry, amounting to 9.258 trillion won. Once the Shahin Project becomes fully operational, S-Oil will produce basic petrochemical products such as 1.8 million tons of ethylene, 770,000 tons of propylene, 200,000 tons of butadiene, and 280,000 tons of benzene. SK Innovation is considering building self-generation facilities at its Ulsan complex and is exploring the option of directly producing LNG. This aims to reduce electricity costs and create synergies with SK Innovation E&S, which was merged last year. On the other hand, HD Hyundai Oilbank is focusing more on securing financial stability rather than making bold investments. According to Korea Credit Rating, HD Hyundai Oilbank’s net debt at the end of last year was 8.6 trillion won, a slight decrease from 8.8 trillion won the previous year. The total liabilities disclosed also decreased from 9.1653 trillion won to 9.1328 trillion won, indicating that efforts to improve its financial structure have had some effect. HD Hyundai Oilbank made a large investment in heavy oil cracking facilities (HPC), injecting 4.7 trillion won from 2020 to the end of 2022, which significantly increased its borrowing. This year, the company plans to focus on stabilizing its financial structure after the large-scale investment. An industry insider commented, "As oil prices continue to fluctuate rapidly, refining demand and supply will inevitably undergo periodic adjustments. Currently, the decline in international oil prices is having a negative impact on refiners in terms of inventory valuation losses, but it is cautiously speculated that with the recovery in demand, both oil prices and refining margins may rebound." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-04-10 17:00:37 메트로신문 기자

메트로人

머니

산업

IT·과학

정치＆정책

생활경제

사회

에듀＆JOB

기획연재

오피니언

라이프

플러스

독자서비스

포럼＆컨퍼런스

최신 뉴스