"Direct Appeal in Front of the White House"... Pohang Mayor Lee Kangdeok Seeks to Overcome Steel Industry Crisis

Pohang Calls for Reduced Steel Tariffs in Front of the White House
Steel Industry Crisis Demands National Response Beyond Pohang
Mayor Lee: "Urgent Appeal for Steel and Pohang's Survival, Hoping to Foster a Fair Trade Environment"

On September 1 local time, Lee Kangdeok, mayor of Pohang, directly explained the importance of the Korean steel industry to the U.S. government and civil society in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the need to establish a fair trade environment based on trust between allied nations.

Lee Gangdeok, mayor of Pohang, is conducting a "Steel Pipe Tariff Reduction Campaign" in front of the White House in Washington D.C. on the 1st local time, together with the Virginia Korean Association. Provided by Pohang City

On this day, Mayor Lee met with Kim Deokman, president of the Virginia Korean Association, to discuss ways to promote local companies' entry into the North American market and to strengthen economic and cultural cooperation. He also held a campaign in front of the White House to raise awareness about the difficulties facing the Korean steel industry.

Although the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy designated Pohang as a "Preemptive Industrial Crisis Response Area" on August 28, Pohang City argued that this measure alone is insufficient to resolve the complex crisis. The city appealed directly to the U.S. government and civil society, stressing that diplomatic efforts to build international solidarity and a fair market environment are urgently needed.

Kangdeok Lee, Mayor of Pohang, conducting a 'Steel Tariff Reduction Urging' campaign in front of the White House together with the Virginia Korean Association.

Pohang, the heart of the domestic steel industry, is now facing the risk of industrial collapse due to tariff hikes. Some factories have already suspended or reduced operations, and partner companies are suffering from sharp declines in sales and workforce reductions. As the backbone of the local economy is shaken, job insecurity, population outflow, and even fears of regional extinction are spreading.

Mayor Lee emphasized that the crisis in the steel industry is no longer just a local issue, but a critical challenge that threatens the survival of the entire national economy, posing a serious problem for the global supply chain as a whole.

He also stated, "It is a serious problem that the steel sector was not even discussed at the Korea-U.S. summit," adding, "The Korean steel industry is a core sector directly linked to national security, and imposing a punitive 50% tariff on an allied nation can never be justified."

He went on to say, "At the very least, the tariff should be adjusted to 25%, as in the UK, or a limited quota exemption should be applied. With a sense of urgency, I am making this appeal today, sincerely hoping that it will contribute to creating a mutually beneficial trade environment in the international community based on trust and cooperation between Korea and the United States."

President Kim Deokman also pledged, "We will actively support efforts to raise awareness of the importance of the Korean steel industry through the Virginia Korean Association's network, together with Pohang City," and promised multifaceted cooperation not only in steel but also in economic and cultural exchanges and talent exchange.

Starting with this campaign, Pohang City plans to continue follow-up activities in cooperation with organizations such as KOTRA and DGA Group, aiming to reduce steel tariffs and strengthen the foundation for local companies to enter the North American market.