The United States plans to impose a 25% tariff on South Korean steel and aluminum products,South Korean steel companies accelerate shipments

On March 12, 2025, the United States SA387 Grade 91 steel plans to impose a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum products, including previously exempted South Korean steel. This move has attracted widespread attention in the global steel industry, and South Korean steel companies are accelerating the adjustment of production and logistics arrangements, striving to complete as many exports to the United States as possible before the tariffs take effect.

At present, the South Korean steel industry is actively optimizing production scheduling and transportation plans to improve shipping efficiency to the United States. Industry insiders revealed on March 10th that companies are increasing their shipment volume through measures such as increasing cabin space to reduce potential impact. The person said, "After the policy was announced, the industry as a whole is accelerating the allocation of resources, striving to complete more exports before March 12th

At Pyeongtaek Port in Gyeonggi Province SA387 Grade 91 steel, a large amount of steel is being transported in a concentrated manner. Steel companies are prioritizing the production of orders to the United States and adjusting the delivery pace to other markets accordingly. Data shows that South Korea exports approximately 2.63 million tons of steel to the United States annually, with steel pipes accounting for the highest proportion at 1.09 million tons, hot-rolled coils and thick plates at 500000 tons and 188000 tons, respectively, and color coated plates exported at around 150000 tons. SeAH Steel and Husteel are mainly engaged in steel pipe production, while POSCO and Hyundai Steel focus on hot-rolled coils and thick plates.

Industry insiders point out that the logistics process faces certain challenges. Normally, shipping to the West Coast of the United States takes about two weeks. Therefore, steel companies have made adjustments to their production and shipping plans to prioritize shipments to the United States. It is reported that many companies have been deploying in advance since last month to cope with market changes.

At the same time, the industry remains concerned about potential policy adjustments that may arise from subsequent trade negotiations, but there is currently only two days left until the tariffs take effect, and there is no further news. Some companies are considering adjusting their market layout, such as SeAH Steel's plan to adapt to new changes by expanding US factory capacity, while companies such as POSCO that lack local production facilities face more uncertainty. An industry expert said, "Currently, ensuring as many exports as possible is still the most feasible strategy in the short term

In addition, domestic steel SA387 Grade 91 steel companies in the United States have adjusted their market quotations accordingly. At present, the price of hot-rolled coils in the US market has reached $1040/ton EXW, a significant increase from the price of $775/ton EXW at the beginning of January. Industry insiders analyze that steel prices in the US market have shown an upward trend. At present, the market price of hot-rolled coils in South Korea is about 820000 Korean won. Considering logistics and tariff factors, the export price to the United States is about 1.3 million Korean won. From the current market trend, South Korean steel still has certain competitiveness