Washington is urging Seoul to increase its promised investment in the U.S. beyond the $350 billion agreed upon in a bilateral tariff deal. The U.S. is particularly interested in three major energy infrastructure projects.
The U.S. pressure for increased investment could impact South Korea's economic strategy and its trade relationship with the United States, potentially affecting key sectors like energy and shipbuilding.
Washington is reportedly pressuring Seoul to increase its investment commitment in the United States beyond the $350 billion initially agreed upon as part of a bilateral tariff deal. A South Korean lawmaker cited a trade ministry report indicating that the U.S. is focusing on three major energy infrastructure projects: a natural gas plant in Texas, a nuclear reactor program, and the development of a natural gas pipeline in Alaska.
The original $350 billion investment package, agreed upon in late 2025, included $200 billion for strategic industries and $150 billion for the U.S. shipbuilding industry. The U.S. demand for the three energy projects alone is said to exceed the $200 billion allocated for strategic industries, leading to last-minute adjustments in negotiations.
South Korea is reportedly aiming to finalize these talks and sign an agreement with the U.S. as early as the following Friday, with a closed-door briefing planned at the National Assembly the preceding Thursday.