Gov. Greg Gianforte embarked on a trade mission to promote Montana products and foster partnerships with South Korea and Japan. During the trip, he engaged with business leaders, including Chairman Jin-Sik Yoon of the Korea International Trade Association, representing over 70,000 companies. Gianforte highlighted Montana’s offerings, such as wheat, beef, coal, and technology, emphasizing opportunities for trade expansion.
In 2024, South Korea ranked as Montana’s second-largest trading partner, with $335 million in exports, as stated by the Governor’s Office. “Montana is open for business, and we are eager to partner with Korea’s most innovative companies,” Gianforte remarked. He showcased collaborations with UP Chemical and Advanced Material Solutions, noting their investment in a Stevensville facility.
SemiLink Materials recently set up a facility in Bitterroot, supplying specialty gases for the semiconductor industry. Industrial machinery exports for semiconductors were Montana’s largest export to Korea in 2024, totaling $103 million. Wheat exports to Japan and Korea reached $38 million last year.
In Japan, Gianforte promoted wheat, beef, and technology, while exploring collaboration in photonics, quantum tech, semiconductors, and clean energy. He invited the Japan External Trade Organization to visit Montana. He emphasized Montana’s robust business climate and commitment to innovation, particularly in bioscience and photonics research.
The global photonics industry, valued at $1.75 trillion, plays a crucial role in contributing over $16 trillion to global GDP. Montana boasts a high concentration of optics, photonics, and quantum technology companies, with longstanding ties to Japan and Korea. “Montana and Japan share a deep history rooted in respect, innovation, and opportunity,” Gianforte stated.
He met with Japanese beef industry representatives, highlighting Montana as a top ten U.S. beef producer, with $41 million in exports to Japan. Additionally, Gianforte promoted Montana coal and energy, noting that half of the 26 million metric tons of coal mined annually are exported to Asian markets through Canada. “Montana has long been a global leader in providing dependable energy,” he said, pledging to support stable coal supply and strengthen partnerships.
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