In a bold move to strengthen industrial ties with the United States, South Korea’s top three shipbuilders—HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries—have joined forces to form the MASGA Task Force, short for “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again,” reports the Korea Economic Daily.
This strategic alliance aims to reinvigorate the declining U.S. shipbuilding industry by combining Korean technological expertise with American industrial capacity.
Shipbuilding Giants Launch MASGA Task Force
The initiative adopts a dual-track strategy. The first track focuses on naval ship maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. The Korean companies plan to invest in American infrastructure to establish and upgrade ship repair facilities, train U.S. workers in naval engineering, and fortify the domestic supply chain. This effort is intended to enhance the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy and ensure long-term sustainability of its maritime assets.
The second track centers on the construction of commercial vessels within U.S. shipyards. By leveraging local facilities and partnerships, the Korean shipbuilders aim to boost America’s capacity to build ocean-going cargo ships domestically. The plan includes collaborative programs that will help scale up production while creating jobs and transferring technical know-how to American firms and workers.
This joint initiative played a crucial role in facilitating a new trade agreement between the two countries. As part of the deal, the U.S. agreed to reduce the import tariff on Korean-built ships from a proposed 25% to 15%. In return, South Korea committed to investing $150 billion directly into the U.S. shipbuilding sector, with a broader $350 billion package encompassing strategic industries such as semiconductors, biotech, nuclear energy, and batteries.
The MASGA Task Force also helps address political concerns in South Korea. The trade negotiations notably excluded increased market access for American rice and livestock exports, easing fears among Korean farmers and agricultural groups who were wary of trade-offs that could impact their livelihoods.
With this move, South Korea positions itself not only as a global shipbuilding leader but also as a critical partner in U.S. industrial revitalization. The collaboration reflects a growing trend of bilateral cooperation focused on mutual economic and security goals, and it lays the groundwork for transformative progress in both nations’ maritime capabilities.
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Source: The Korea Economic Daily
