Amid Trump Tariff Pressure... Korea Chamber of Commerce Economic Delegation Launches Full-Scale Trade Diplomacy with the U.S.

Korean Economic Delegation Embarks on Trade Diplomacy with the U.S.
KCCI Stresses Expansion of Investment and Cooperation with the U.S.
Korea Becomes the Largest New Investor in the U.S.
"Korea-U.S. Business Night" Event Held with U.S. Political and Business Leaders in Attendance
Five Major Industrial Cooperation Agendas Discussed in White House Meetings

As U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies come into effect, an economic delegation composed of major domestic companies is making its first move in trade diplomacy with the United States.

On the 16th, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced that from the 19th to the 20th (local time), it will conduct "trade diplomacy activities with the U.S." in Washington D.C. This economic delegation consists of key industry representatives from core sectors of Korea-U.S. economic cooperation, including automobiles, semiconductors, steel, shipbuilding, energy, and platforms.

Twenty-six leading domestic business figures will participate, including Choi Tae-won, chairman of KCCI; Cho Hyun-sang, vice chairman of HS Hyosung; Kim Won-kyung, president of Samsung Electronics; Yoo Jung-joon, vice chairman of SK On; Lee Hyung-hee, chairman of SK Supex Communication Committee; Sung Kim, president of Hyundai Motor Company; and Yoon Chang-ryeol, director of LG Global Strategy Development Institute.

Also included are Lee Gye-in, president of POSCO International; Lim Sung-bok, head of communications at Lotte Holdings; Joo Young-joon, president of Hanwha Future Proof; Lee Na-ri, chairwoman of Kakao Brand Communication Committee; and Kim Min-gyu, vice president of Shinsegae.

Amid President Trump's successive tariff announcements, the economic delegation will hold meetings with senior White House officials and key members of the U.S. Congress. At these meetings, Korean companies plan to discuss trade policies including tariff issues and propose strategic cooperation agendas and investment cooperation plans between the two countries.

The KCCI stated, "Korea has been a model investment country that faithfully implemented the 'Buy America' principle during President Trump's first term," and added, "We will emphasize that Korean companies remain trustworthy partners in the second Trump administration."

In fact, Korea has established itself as the largest new investor in the U.S. for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024, investing a total of $160 billion in sectors such as automobiles, semiconductors, and batteries since 2017. Additionally, Korea's actual purchase performance of $90.8 billion exceeded the $57.5 billion purchase plan promised during President Trump's visit to Korea in 2017 by 60%.

On the 19th, the delegation will hold the "Korea-US Business Night" gala dinner at the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building, an annex of the U.S. Congress Library. About 150 people, including the economic delegation, U.S. House and Senate members, governors, and key cabinet officials, are expected to attend.

The KCCI explained, "The Thomas Jefferson Building is a symbolic venue where past U.S. presidents have held top-level receptions," and added, "This event is an important opportunity to explain to U.S. policymakers the necessity of expanding Korean companies' investments in the U.S." Additionally, representatives from each company will hold individual meetings with officials from the states targeted for investment.

On the 20th, meetings are scheduled with senior officials from the White House and U.S. economic departments. These meetings will discuss the economic and industrial policies of the second Trump administration and explain Korean companies' investment and cooperation plans with the U.S.

The KCCI plans to propose five major industrial cooperation measures during these meetings: expanding imports of U.S. energy, cooperation in shipbuilding, investment in finished vehicle and parts manufacturing facilities, collaboration on next-generation nuclear power and small modular reactors (SMR), and joint research and development of semiconductor supply chains.

Park Il-jun, executive vice chairman of the KCCI, said, "In a fiercely competitive diplomatic battle among countries to avoid the tariff bombs triggered by Trump, this trade diplomacy activity with the U.S. is an important opportunity to create a favorable investment environment for Korean companies in the U.S.," and added, "We will do our best to achieve tangible results through direct and active communication with the U.S. government and Congress."