Korea begins US investment but trade pressure persists

Korea has begun implementing its $350 billion investment commitment in the United States, but U.S. pressure for additional investments and an ongoing review of unfair foreign trade practices are keeping Seoul on edge over the possibility of additional tariffs. Korea recently made its first $2.4 billion capital injection into the U.S., marking the first phase of the $350 billion investment package finalized by the two countries last year. The initial fund is earmarked for a gas-fired combined-cycle power plant project in Encinal, Texas, designed to supply electricity to AI data centers. The investment is intended to demonstrate Korea’s commitment to the economic partnership and help secure the agreed 15 percent tariff ceiling for its key exports. However, the commencement of actual funding has failed to ease U.S. trade pressure. U.S. President Donald Trump has significantly ramped up his rhetoric, publicly pressuring Seoul to join a $54 billion Alaska LNG pipeline and terminal project. Trump has repeatedly portrayed Korea’s participation as a done deal in domestic political rallies, u