South Korea's OCI Holdings to acquire solar wafer plant in Vietnam SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - OCI TerraSus, a wholly owned subsidiary of South Korea’s OCI Holdings, said Monday that it has established a new company in Singapore to take a majority stake in a solar wafer plant in Vietnam — a move aimed at strengthening its supply chain for U.S.-bound solar products. The new entity, OCI ONE, will acquire a 65 percent stake in a wafer plant built by Elite Solar Power Wafer in Vietnam. The facility, expected to be completed by the end of October, will have an annual production capacity of 2.7 gigawatts and is slated to begin producing solar wafers early next year. OCI said the $120 million project will provide immediate revenue once production begins, with OCI ONE’s share valued at $78 million. The company added that an additional $40 million investment could double the plant’s capacity to 5.4 gigawatts within six months, significantly increasing output and sales potential. The wafers will be made using polysilicon supplied by OCI TerraSus, creating a vertically integrated production chain the company says will improve both competitiveness and profitability. The products will also comply with new “non-PFE” standards — referring to the exclusion of products linked to forced labor — established in July under the U.S. Office of Budget and Business Bureau Act. “This strategic investment brings us closer to completing a non-PFE supply chain favorable for U.S. exports,” said Lee Woo-hyun, chairman of OCI Holdings. “We will continue working with partners across Southeast Asia to strengthen our position in the global solar industry.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-13 14:08:17

Korea's shipping industry urges POSCO to abandon bid for HMM SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - South Korea’s shipping industry is pushing back against steel giant POSCO Group’s reported plan to acquire HMM, the nation’s largest container carrier, warning that such a move could destabilize the sector and undermine decades of maritime expertise. The Korea Shipping Association said in a statement on Monday that it had submitted a formal letter to POSCO Chairman Jang In-hwa, urging the company to withdraw from the bidding process. The group argued that allowing a non-shipping conglomerate to take control of a key maritime operator would weaken the industry’s competitiveness and expose it to unnecessary risks. “The acquisition could erode the professional management of shipping operations and threaten stability if POSCO were to face financial difficulties,” the association said. It added that the global trend among major carriers is toward consolidation and specialization, not diversification by industrial groups with limited maritime experience. The association pointed to POSCO’s previous attempt to enter the shipping business through Geo Yang Shipping, which ended in failure and was later sold to the now-defunct Hanjin Shipping. It also cited Brazilian mining giant Vale’s retreat from the sector after selling its fleet of large bulk carriers, saying such examples underscore the challenges faced by non-shipping firms. Industry experts note that HMM, which was rescued by state-led creditors in the aftermath of Hanjin’s 2017 collapse, remains a strategic asset for South Korea’s trade-dependent economy. Critics fear that turning it over to an industrial buyer could distort market dynamics and weaken the country’s maritime resilience. The shipping association further argued that POSCO’s acquisition would do little to reduce logistics costs and could instead “disrupt the nation’s shipping ecosystem and harm the import-export industry.” POSCO has not yet commented on the association’s appeal. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-13 13:48:29

HD Hyundai Heavy begins overhaul of US Navy ship in Ulsan The U.S. Navy's Alan Shepard supply vessel/ HD Hyundai Heavy Industries SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has begun maintenance work on the U.S. Navy’s supply vessel USNS Alan Shepard, a contract that underscores the growing role of South Korean shipyards in servicing American military assets in Asia. The 41,000-ton vessel, part of the Navy’s 7th Fleet, has arrived at Yeompo Pier near Ulsan for a scheduled overhaul, the company said Monday. The ship, which measures 210 meters in length and 32 meters in width, will undergo safety equipment checks, tank servicing and other inspections, with work expected to be completed by the end of the year. The deal was secured in August and is among the most recent in a series of maintenance, repair and overhaul — known as MRO — projects that HD Hyundai has taken on for the U.S. Navy. Since 2022, the company has also operated a logistics support center in the Philippines, handling similar contracts for vessels delivered there. The shipbuilder is positioning itself more aggressively in the defense sector as it prepares for a merger with HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. The consolidation would allow HD Hyundai to expand its capacity for international naval projects by combining Ulsan’s heavy industrial expertise with Mipo’s facilities and docks. “We are committed to delivering successful MRO services to ensure the satisfaction of our client, the U.S. Navy, leveraging our advanced technology and expertise,” said Joo Won-ho, head of HD Hyundai’s special ship division. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-30 10:20:01

Samsung Heavy signs partnership with Indian shipyard Namgoong Geum-seong of Samsung Heavy Industries, right, and Vipin Kumar Saxena of India's Swan Shipyard pose after signing an MOU on Sept. 29. Courtesy of Samsung Heavy Industries SEOUL, September 29 (AJP) - South Korea's Samsung Heavy Industries said Monday it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Swan Defence and Heavy Industries, an Indian shipyard, in a move to expand its global footprint in shipbuilding and marine projects. The agreement positions Samsung Heavy to collaborate with Swan on ship design, procurement and production management. The Indian company operates the nation’s largest dry dock, capable of building very large crude carriers and offshore facilities. For Samsung Heavy, the partnership offers a production foothold in India. The company said it intends to scale up its operations there gradually. “This collaboration combines technology and market opportunities, creating a win-win model for both companies,” Namgoong Geum-seong, head of Samsung’s production support division, said in a press release. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-29 10:33:14

HD Hyundai discusses shipbuilding cooperation with Saudi Arabia SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - HD Hyundai is expanding its cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the shipbuilding sector, strengthening ties through joint ventures and technology partnerships tied to the kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative. The company said Thursday its vice chairman, Jeong Ki-seon, met with Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih at the Banyan Tree Hotel in Seoul to discuss the progress of a joint shipyard and engine plant under construction in Saudi Arabia. The talks also covered plans to establish a supply chain for shipbuilding materials. The meeting was attended by Sulaiman Al-Babtain, chief executive of Sofon, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned shipbuilding company, and Joo Won-ho, head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ special ship division. Discussions included possible cooperation on naval projects. A roundtable followed to explore broader investment and collaboration in shipbuilding, company officials said. Saudi Arabia has made the development of a domestic shipbuilding industry a priority under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 strategy, and it has actively sought investment and expertise from South Korean companies. HD Hyundai is building the IMI Shipyard and Makin Engine Plant at the King Salman Shipyard Complex in Jubail, with full operations expected in 2026 and 2027. When completed, the facilities will include three large docks, four giant cranes and seven berths, with the capacity to build up to 40 ships a year. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-25 14:26:33

Korea's tariffs on US exports soar, marking world's fastest growth SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - South Korea's tariffs on U.S. exports surged to nearly 5 trillion won ($3.3 billion) in the second quarter, marking the fastest growth among the top 10 exporting countries to the U.S. The finding was released in a report Monday by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). The report highlights a significant financial burden on South Korean exporters, with tariffs growing 46 times compared to the fourth quarter of last year — the highest increase among the top 10 countries. This places South Korea sixth in total tariffs paid to the U.S., following China, Mexico, Japan, Germany, and Vietnam. The steep increase follows the imposition of a 10 percent general tariff and new specific tariffs on key sectors, including automobiles, auto parts, steel, and aluminum, which have traditionally enjoyed low tariffs under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. The automotive sector was hit particularly hard, accounting for the largest share of the tariffs at $1.9 billion, or 57.5 percent of the total. This was driven by a 25 percent tariff on finished cars in April and a similar tariff on auto parts in May. In response, the KCCI is urging for government support and legislative action to mitigate the impact. Kang Seok-gu, head of research at the KCCI, emphasized the need for policies to help companies adapt to the new trade environment, suggesting measures such as a reduction of the automotive tariff to 15 percent and a "domestic production promotion tax" for strategic industries. "Assuming exporters bear a quarter of the 15 percent mutual tariff, they face a 3.75 percent burden on U.S. exports," Kang stated. "Government support is crucial to help companies adapt to the new trade environment and stay competitive." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-22 08:19:03

Senior Ukrainian officials visit HD Hyundai for post-war reconstruction talks SEOUL, September 18 (AJP) - A delegation of top Ukrainian government officials visited HD Hyundai's facilities this week to advance collaboration on post-war reconstruction, the company said Thursday. The visit was part of a larger construction machinery training program for Ukrainian officials organized by the Korea Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association and the Korea Construction Equipment Technology Institute. The delegation included key figures like Deputy Ministers of Territorial Development, Marina Denysiuk and Kostiantyn Kovalchuk, and Serhiy Suhomlyn, head of the Reconstruction Agency. The delegation's itinerary included tours of HD Hyundai's smart factory, shipyard dock, and transformer manufacturing facilities in Ulsan, giving them firsthand insight into South Korea's industrial and technological advancements. The officials also participated in discussions about equipment operation, maintenance, disaster recovery, and eco-friendly construction techniques. HD Hyundai has historically been a major player in Ukraine's construction machinery market, with its affiliates HD Hyundai Infracore and HD Hyundai Construction Equipment holding significant market shares prior to the war. The company has maintained strong ties with the Ukrainian government to support ongoing and future reconstruction projects. In a statement, the company outlined its plan to bolster Ukraine's recovery by supporting vocational schools with construction machinery and virtual reality simulators to train local technicians. The company also intends to strengthen its aftermarket business, ensuring long-term support for its equipment. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-18 14:09:23

POSCO chairman leads South Korea-Australia economic cooperation POSCO Group Chairman Jang In-hwa, acting as the South Korean chair for the South Korea-Australia Economic Cooperation Committee, is pushing for expanded cooperation beyond traditional economic ties. This push was the central theme of the 46th joint meeting of the committee, held at FKI Tower in Seoul. The gathering, attended by approximately 200 officials from both nations, including Australia-Korea Business Council chair Martin Ferguson, sought to strengthen ties in industry, innovation, and sustainability. For the first time, AI-based industrial safety and disaster response were highlighted as special topics, reflecting a new direction for the bilateral relationship. In the minerals session, participants highlighted successful joint ventures like POSCO Pilbara Lithium Solution, which processes Australian lithium ore for secondary battery materials. The meeting also showcased the achievements of the "Australia Core Resources Research Center," POSCO's first overseas resource research institute, underscoring the company's commitment to securing vital mineral supply chains. In a move to enhance disaster preparedness, POSCO announced a new social contribution project in collaboration with the National Disaster Relief Association. The initiative will draw on Australia's advanced disaster response systems, particularly those in New South Wales, to help local Korean communities respond more effectively to natural disasters. This initiative is a practical example of the expanded cooperation Chairman Jang advocated for. Chairman Jang underscored the importance of this broader collaboration, stating, "I hope both countries will expand cooperation beyond economic and industrial investments to include regional coexistence, industrial safety, and disaster response, paving the way for a sustainable future." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-17 10:14:34

SK Innovation targets global market with battery recycling tech SK Innovation is set to enter the global battery recycling market with its proprietary Battery Metal Recycling (BMR) technology. The company announced on Wednesday that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S. engineering firm KBR at the Fastmarkets Conference in Portugal. Under the agreement, KBR will combine its crystallization technology with SK Innovation's BMR technology for global sales, generating royalty revenue for SK Innovation. KBR, with about 34,000 employees and operations in over 80 countries, provides advanced engineering solutions across various sectors, including energy and infrastructure. Since 2017, SK Innovation has developed its battery recycling technology by integrating its expertise from the refining and petrochemical sectors. In 2021, the company established a facility capable of recovering lithium hydroxide from batteries equivalent to 800 electric vehicles annually, securing over 100 patents globally. Phil Seok Kim, head of SK Innovation's Environmental Science and Technology Institute, stated, "Our innovative lithium recovery technology meets EU battery regulations and has proven battery performance." Gautam Krishnaiya, KBR's CTO, praised the economic advantages of SK Innovation's technology over traditional methods, highlighting the synergy with KBR's crystallization technology. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-17 09:52:00