Gov. Greg Gianforte embarked on a trade mission to enhance Montana’s international partnerships with South Korea and Japan. During the trip, Gianforte promoted key Montana exports, including wheat, beef, coal, and technology, while discussing future trade growth with influential business leaders. He met Chairman Jin-Sik Yoon of the Korea International Trade Association, an organization representing over 70,000 companies. In 2024, South Korea ranked as Montana’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for $335 million in exports.
“Montana is open for business, and we are eager to partner with Korea’s most innovative companies,” Gianforte stated. The governor emphasized Montana’s resources and favorable business climate, particularly in agriculture and advanced technology. Gianforte noted partnerships with UP Chemical and Advanced Material Solutions, highlighting their investment in a Stevensville manufacturing facility. SemiLink Materials recently launched a facility in the Bitterroot, supplying specialty gases for the semiconductor industry globally.
Montana’s industrial machinery exports to Korea, primarily for semiconductor use, reached $103 million in 2024. Wheat remains a consistent export, with $38 million sent to both Japan and Korea last year. In Japan, Gianforte promoted collaboration in photonics, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. He invited the Japan External Trade Organization to visit Montana, emphasizing shared innovation and opportunities.
“Globally, the photonics industry is worth $1.75 trillion,” a release stated, noting Montana’s high concentration of optics and photonics firms. The governor highlighted Montana’s bioscience and academic research advancements. Meeting with beef industry representatives, he showcased Montana as a top ten U.S. beef producer, with over $41 million in exports to Japan last year.
He also discussed Montana coal, noting half of the 26 million metric tons mined are exported to Asia via Canada. “Montana has long been a global leader in providing dependable energy,” Gianforte said, reinforcing commitments to stable coal supplies and growing partnerships with Japan.
