Korea-US summit: defense talks with a strong maritime agenda
Defense and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula topped the agenda as South Korean president Lee Jae-myung met US president Donald Trump in Washington on Monday. While geopolitics dominated the headlines, the visit also carried a strong maritime and shipbuilding dimension, reflecting Seoul’s growing industrial footprint in the United States.
security business maritime economy worldwide politics news25 august 2025 | 13:49 | Source: Gazeta Morska / PAP | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print
fot. Lee Jae-myung
Security and strategy
Trump has repeatedly pressed Seoul to shoulder more of the financial burden of maintaining the 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea. Although Seoul has agreed to raise its contribution by 8.3% to 1.52 trillion won (USD 1.09 billion) by 2026, this remains far below Trump’s stated goal of 5% of GDP. Lee emphasized a phased approach to denuclearization, starting with freezing North Korea’s nuclear program before moving toward full dismantlement.
Maritime focus: Hanwha in Philadelphia
A centerpiece of Lee’s American itinerary will be his visit to Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, acquired by South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean. The move underscores Korea’s determination to strengthen its position in the US shipbuilding market.
Seoul has pledged USD 350 billion in investments in the US economy, with USD 150 billion earmarked specifically for supporting the entry of Korean shipbuilders into the American market. For the maritime industry, this signals deepening cooperation that could reshape production capacity, technology transfer, and job creation on both sides of the Pacific.
Tariffs and industry impact
Despite efforts by Seoul to keep tariffs off the summit agenda, Trump announced in late July that South Korean goods will be subject to a 15% tariff. Industry observers note, however, that the scale of Korean investment in US shipyards helped secure a more favorable outcome than initially anticipated.
Looking ahead
Beyond defense and diplomacy, Lee’s visit highlights the maritime sector as a strategic pillar in the Korea–US partnership. His stop at Hanwha Philly Shipyard is expected to showcase how Korean capital and know-how will accelerate the revitalization of American shipbuilding, while reinforcing Korea’s global leadership in the industry.
see also
Buy us a coffee, and we’ll invest in great maritime journalism! Support Gazeta Morska and help us sail forward – click here!
Kamil Kusier
redaktor naczelny
comments
Add the first comment
see also
Poland’s security in focus. President meets with ministers and heads of special services
NATO’s persistent naval presence in the Arctic and the northern Atlantic strengthens sea lane security
Poland launches second DELFIN SIGINT ship ORP Henryk Zygalski in Gdańsk
The Jan Heweliusz ferry disaster. 33 years after one of Poland’s worst maritime tragedies
Polish icebreakers in action on the Odra and Vistula rivers
Man rescued from ice 500 metres offshore in Puck Bay
Ustka a NATO opportunity? What a port on the border of two regions could change
Polish Naval Academy students advance unmanned maritime systems
Winter on Puck Bay: ice conditions, natural values, and responsible use
Accident at offshore service base construction in Ustka highlights gaps in emergency medical response
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT