Inbizzy, Washington, D.C. – South Korea’s leading conglomerates have pledged US$150 billion in new investments in the United States, spanning semiconductors, shipbuilding, batteries, nuclear energy, and critical minerals.
The announcement was made at a White House business roundtable on August 25, 2025, following a bilateral summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump.
The event brought together 16 top South Korean business leaders, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Euisun, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo. On the US side, executives from Boeing, Nvidia, Google, Lockheed Martin, General Motors, and Carlyle Group were present.
Investments in Semiconductors, AI, and Automotive
Samsung Electronics will expand its US$37 billion semiconductor plant in Taylor, Texas, while SK Hynix confirmed its US$3.87 billion project in Indiana for a next-generation chip packaging facility.
Hyundai Motor has added US$5 billion to its previous investment plan, bringing its total US commitment to US$26 billion. The projects include a low-carbon steel plant in Louisiana, expanded EV and hybrid production capacity, and a robotics hub.
Korean Air Announces US$50 Billion Deal
Korean Air unveiled the largest single agreement of the summit: a US$50 billion deal with Boeing and GE Aerospace. The package includes 103 next-generation Boeing aircraft, 19 spare engines, and a 20-year maintenance contract with GE.
The flag carrier will also collaborate with Pratt & Whitney, Hamilton Sundstrand, and Honeywell on aviation technology and maintenance initiatives.
MOUs in Nuclear Energy, Shipbuilding, and Critical Minerals
South Korea’s trade ministry confirmed that 11 MOUs were signed across nuclear energy, shipbuilding, aerospace, LNG, and critical minerals.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP), Doosan Enerbility, and US-based X-energy, supported by Amazon Web Services, will develop small modular reactors (SMRs). Amazon plans to deploy over 60 Xe-100 reactors in the US by 2039.
In shipbuilding, Samsung Heavy Industries signed an agreement with Oregon-based Vigor Marine Group to modernize US Navy facilities and enhance maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
In energy, Korea Gas Corp. secured a 10-year LNG supply deal starting in 2028, while Korea Zinc will provide germanium to Lockheed Martin under a long-term contract.
Strengthening Korea–US Economic Ties
Industry executives said these commitments underscore the growing economic and security alliance between South Korea and the United States, extending well beyond semiconductors.
“The synergies are clear: US technological leadership paired with South Korean manufacturing competitiveness,” said a Seoul-based industry official.
