CaliToday (31/10/2025): U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed today that President Donald J. Trump and South Korean President Lee held an "excellent" high-level summit, culminating in a massive $350 billion investment package from South Korea into the U.S. economy.
The deal, which was personally directed and approved by President Trump, is being hailed as a cornerstone of the Trump-Vance administration's "Made in America" economic agenda, designed to revitalize U.S. heavy industry and secure a strategic advantage in advanced technology.
Revitalizing U.S. Naval Power: $150 Billion for Shipbuilding
According to the Department of Commerce, the first $150 billion of the agreement is earmarked for the U.S. shipbuilding sector. The initiative will be led by top-tier South Korean shipbuilding conglomerates and will include a flagship project to construct nuclear-powered submarines in Philadelphia.
President Trump affirmed that this move is a "critical step" in his strategy to restore American heavy industry and fortify national security. The administration views this investment as a direct path to re-establishing the United States at "the pinnacle of global naval power."
Energy & Tech Dominance: $200 Billion for Next-Gen Projects
In addition to the naval investment, President Trump will deploy a further $200 billion into a sweeping portfolio of advanced energy and technology projects.
This second tranche of funding will target:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing
This investment is a central component of the "Made in America" program, the core economic platform of the Trump-Vance administration.
New Trade Framework: 100% Market Access
The landmark deal also solidifies a new trade relationship. South Korea has reportedly agreed to 100% open its market to U.S. goods. In exchange, a 15% reciprocal tariff will be applied to critical sectors, including automobiles and auto parts.
In a strategically significant move, existing semiconductor tariffs are explicitly excluded from this agreement. This carve-out is designed to ensure the U.S. maintains its strategic advantage and control over the global chip supply chain.
In a statement to Fox Business and Reuters, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick underscored the deal's importance: "The rebuilding of the U.S. shipbuilding industry and the expansion of our strategic partnership with Korea is the bedrock of our economic and national security."