Desperate Diplomatic Efforts in Washington D.C. to Overcome Steel Crisis
Fundamental International Cooperation Sought for K-Steel Act and Preemptive Response Area Designation
The steel industry in Pohang is facing an unprecedented crisis due to global oversupply and a 50% high tariff imposed by the United States.
Against this backdrop, Lee Gangdeok, mayor of Pohang, visited Washington, D.C. to make urgent efforts to protect the steel industry and expand market opportunities for local companies.
Mayor Lee Gangdeok continued his on-site efforts in front of the National Assembly to convey the position of the Korean steel industry, directly communicating the urgent reality of the steel industry to American society. Photo by Pohang City
On September 2 (local time), Mayor Lee visited the North America Regional Headquarters of KOTRA and the global policy advisory firm DGA Group in succession, explaining the current situation of the Korean steel industry and strongly emphasizing the need for tariff relief.
Despite efforts such as designating the region as a 'Preemptive Response Area for Steel Industry Crisis' and pushing for the enactment of the 'K-Steel Act,' there are fundamental limitations in overcoming the challenges posed by changes in the global trade environment and high U.S. tariffs. As a result, Mayor Lee has taken to the international diplomatic stage to directly voice these concerns and seek new breakthroughs.
First, at the KOTRA Washington D.C. Trade Center, Mayor Lee met with Lee Geumha, head of the North America Regional Headquarters, and said, "The Korean steel industry is struggling in the U.S. market due to excessive tariff barriers. Please actively support our outstanding local companies in expanding their market reach by leveraging KOTRA's global network and expertise."
He then delivered an official petition appealing for a reduction in tariffs on Korean steel products and received a briefing on U.S. tariff trends. Director Lee responded, "KOTRA is closely communicating with the U.S. government and Congress to protect the interests of Korean companies. We will actively cooperate with Pohang City to help outstanding local companies expand their trade channels through strategic partnership."
Afterward, Mayor Lee visited the DGA Group headquarters and held talks with Justin McCarthy and Patrick Casey, both government relations partners who participated in the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, including serving as a presidential legislative assistant during the George W. Bush administration.
DGA Group is a strategic consulting firm where key figures in the U.S. trade and policy network are active, such as Nicole Frazier, who served as Special Assistant to the President for Communications in the first Trump administration; Carla Hills, who was the U.S. Trade Representative during Korea-U.S. trade negotiations in the 1990s; and Tami Overby, who served for many years as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea.
During the meeting, Mayor Lee emphasized, "Although Korea is a core ally of the United States, it is not receiving equal treatment in the steel industry sector. Pohang is the heart of Korea's steel industry and a symbol of Korea-U.S. economic cooperation, so I urge you to actively reflect the status of an allied nation."
In response, Partner McCarthy said, "Korea is an essential partner for the U.S. economy and security, and the Korean steel industry has contributed to U.S. growth and employment. We will use DGA Group's network to actively persuade the government and Congress." He added, "It would also be helpful to refer to the ongoing negotiations with Canada and Mexico, which are currently the fastest-moving talks regarding the high tariffs imposed on steel."
Partner Casey also stated, "The United States is looking forward to investment and cooperation from Korean companies, which possess world-class capabilities and technology in the shipbuilding and steel industries, to help revitalize these sectors. We will work together with Pohang City to find practical solutions."
Additionally, on September 1, Mayor Lee continued his on-site efforts in front of the National Assembly building and with the Korean American Association of Virginia (President Kim Deokman), directly communicating the urgent reality of the steel industry to American society and conveying the position of the Korean steel industry.
Through this visit to Washington, Pohang City has officially petitioned for steel tariff reduction and established a foundation for cooperation with KOTRA and DGA Group, thereby strengthening solidarity with the international community and policy responses. Going forward, the city plans to continue working with the central government and related overseas organizations to restore the competitiveness of the steel industry and ensure regional economic stability.
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