State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Highlights Trade Partnerships in Korea
Korea was Montana’s second largest trading partner in 2024, totaling $335 million in exports
SEOUL, South Korea – Governor Greg Gianforte today promoted Montana’s commodities, technology, and growing industries to Korean business leaders, highlighting opportunities for trade, investment, and international partnerships.
“Montana is open for business, and we are eager to partner with Korea’s most innovative companies,” Governor Gianforte said. “From agriculture to advanced technology, Montana offers the talent, resources, and business climate needed to grow and succeed in the global market.”
Gov. Gianforte meeting with Jin-Sik Yoon, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, in Seoul, South Korea
Governor Gianforte began the day highlighting an existing partnership with Korean companies, UP Chemical and Advanced Material Solutions (AMS) Korea, and their recent investment in a manufacturing facility in Stevensville, Montana. The investment was in a Montana company, SemiLink Materials, which recently established its manufacturing facility in the Bitterroot and serves as a worldwide supplier of specialty gases for the semiconductor industry.
Industrial machinery exports, largely for semiconductor applications, was Montana’s largest export to Korea in 2024, accounting for $103 million in sales. These products support the semiconductor supply chain that produces components used in nearly all electronic devise such as smartphones, computers, and cars.
Continuing the day, the governor attended a meeting with the Korea World Class Enterprises Association to highlight Montana’s business climate and opportunities in photonics, quantum technology, bioscience, software, and advanced manufacturing.
“Montana is a strategic hub for North American expansion, offering a skilled workforce and a pro-business environment ready to support Korea’s most innovative companies,” the governor added.
During a Flour Miller Appreciation Luncheon, the governor recognized Montana wheat as a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural economy. He also thanked U.S. Wheat Associates for coordinating the event and the traders and brokers for their continued purchases, reaffirming Montana’s commitment to providing high-quality wheat to meet Korea’s growing demand. Wheat is Montana’s largest and most consistent export at $38 million in sales last year to both Japan and Korea. As island nations with large populations, both countries demand large quantities of high-quality wheat.
The Montana Wheat & Barley Committee, housed within the Montana Department of Agriculture, works to support producers in Montana’s wheat industry. Representatives from the committee have joined the governor on this mission, as well as some producers, to learn more about the end use and end consumer of their product. These groups regularly host trade teams in Montana from Korea and Japan.
On Tuesday, Gov. Gianforte also met with Jin-Sik Yoon, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), to discuss expanding trade and investment opportunities. KITA is one of Korea's top five private economic organizations, representing the interests of a diverse membership of over 70,000 companies. Montana exports to Korea totaled $335 million in 2024, including energy, agricultural, and technology products. Korea was Montana’s second largest trading partner last year.
The day concluded with a Montana appreciation reception, where the Governor recognized key partners and investors, including UP Chemical, Quantum Design Korea, EHWA Women’s University, Semi-ence, and Pan America.
“Montana is not only Big Sky Country, known for vast landscapes and independence, it is also a hub of innovation and high-tech opportunity,” Governor Gianforte said. “Under our big skies, opportunities for innovation, investment, and partnership are limitless.”
This trade mission underscores Montana’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships, growing exports, and attracting high-value foreign investment across key sectors. The governor’s mission will continue tomorrow in Japan.
###