KITA vice chairman visits Washington to press for support on $350 billion Korean investment pledge

The Korea International Trade Association delivered a message to US executive branch officials and lawmakers in Washington, D.C., highlighting Korean companies' investment contributions and the on-the-ground challenges they face. The central argument: the $350 billion strategic investment agreed upon by the two countries will only yield tangible results if the United States provides the necessary institutional support.

The trade association said Friday it conducted an outreach campaign in Washington from June 29 through July 1, joined by major Korean industry groups including the Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Association and the Korea Iron & Steel Association.

Lee In-ho, KITA's standing vice chairman, led the delegation. The visit was timed ahead of expected announcements on forced-labor measures under Section 301 of the US Trade Act and the results of an overcapacity probe, with the aim of conveying directly to US government and congressional officials the scale of Korean companies' investment contributions and the policy and workforce difficulties they encounter locally.

The delegation met with William Kimmitt, US undersecretary of commerce for international trade, and Rick Switzer, deputy US trade representative. The group outlined how Korean companies have contributed to regional economic vitality, supply chain stability and job creation across the United States, and called for a policy environment conducive to further investment.

The delegation particularly stressed that as Korean investment in advanced manufacturing — semiconductors, batteries, automobiles, shipbuilding and steel — accelerates in the United States, resolving incentive gaps and regulatory uncertainty is critical. Under a strengthening protectionist climate, addressing companies' on-the-ground difficulties, not just government-to-government cooperation, will ultimately determine whether investment commitments translate into results.

The delegation also held a series of congressional meetings, sitting down with Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia — a state that has drawn significant Korean investment — as well as Reps. Joe Wilson and Mike Kelly, co-chairs of the House Korea Caucus.

At those congressional meetings, the delegation shared data on the investment and employment footprint of Korean companies operating in each lawmaker's district. It urged the expansion of investment incentives, including tax benefits, to help Korean firms already established in the United States grow their operations on a stable footing.

Skilled workforce supply also featured prominently on the agenda. As Korean companies expand large-scale manufacturing facilities in the United States, securing workers for plant operations and technical support has become a pressing challenge. The delegation asked lawmakers to take an active interest in easing that burden, including by creating a dedicated visa quota for Korean nationals.

KITA hosted a "K-Industry Reception" for US congressional staffers on June 30, designed to broaden the association's network among Capitol Hill aides who have direct influence over policy. About 80 people attended, including congressional officials and representatives from Samsung, Hyundai Motor, LG, HD Hyundai, Posco and Hyundai Steel.

Participating companies shared updates on their US operations and investment plans and discussed ways to deepen Korea-US economic cooperation. KITA said the event served both to publicize Korean companies' US investment achievements and to strengthen local networks for future policy engagement.

"The $350 billion investment in the United States will play a pivotal role in stabilizing supply chains and advancing Korea-US cooperation in advanced industries," Lee said. "There is a clear need to further expand cooperation between the two countries."

He added that KITA would "continue to relay the difficulties Korean companies face on the ground and maintain close communication so that the US government and Congress can support the expansion of Korean companies' investment and cooperation."