Why it matters

The South Korean steel giant is maintaining its lobbying push despite facing doubled tariffs. POSCO America Corp. spent $60,000 on in-house lobbying in Q2 2025, part of a $6 million eight-year investment. The company now navigates 50% steel tariffs and proposed carbon border fees that could reshape foreign steel access to U.S. markets.

By the numbers

Current spending: $60,000 in Q2 2025 for in-house lobbying

Historical investment: $6,043,000 total since 2017 across all lobbying activities
– In-house: $2,163,000 (34 disclosures)
– Outside firms: $3,880,000 combined

Lobbying team: Two in-house lobbyists with deep trade expertise
– Yerin Jun: $540,000 in filings since 2023
– Chear Ro Lee: $960,000 in filings since 2021

Outside counsel: Currently works with Arnold & Porter ($2.23M spent) and Akin Gump ($690K spent)

Broader context

Trump administration increased Section 232 steel tariffs to 50% for most countries in June 2025. Only the UK maintains the lower 25% rate. The tariff hikes come as Congress considers carbon-based border adjustments that could further burden foreign producers. Meanwhile, the Nippon Steel-U.S. Steel merger controversy has intensified scrutiny of foreign steel investments.

The agenda

POSCO focuses exclusively on trade policy through Section 232 and 301 measures. The lobbying disclosure targets “Section 232, 301, and other trade policies.” No specific legislation is identified in the filing. The company’s broader strategy addresses international trade and foreign direct investment regulations affecting steel imports.

Competitive landscape

Other foreign steel producers face similar challenges. Nippon Steel lobbies heavily around its proposed U.S. Steel merger. Canadian Steel Producers Association represents interests amid tariff threats. Meanwhile, domestic producers like the American Iron and Steel Institute push for stronger trade enforcement. Auto sector companies including Robert Bosch lobby on supply chain impacts.

Between the lines

Congress shows strong bipartisan support for steel protection. The Steel Caucus wrote urging maintenance of Section 232 measures. The Foreign Pollution Fee Act (S.1325) would impose carbon-based import charges on steel, with South Korea facing substantial fees. Recent trade enforcement hearings emphasized expanding Section 301 and 232 authorities. Commerce Secretary testimony highlighted increased funding for trade enforcement.

The bottom line

POSCO maintains steady lobbying investment while facing an increasingly hostile trade environment. The company’s challenge grows as Congress considers carbon border measures alongside existing 50% tariffs. Success likely requires moving beyond lobbying to substantial U.S. production investment, following competitor Hyundai Steel’s Louisiana facility model.