Alaska LNG Steel Deal with Korea Sparks “Made-in-America” Debate

Industry groups are raising questions over reports that a major share of steel for the planned 807-mile Alaska LNG pipeline could come from South Korea’s POSCO International, under a partnership announced by Glenfarne Energy Transition in early December.

(P&GJ) — The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) is raising alarm over reports that steel for Alaska’s proposed 807-mile natural gas pipeline could be fabricated in South Korea, arguing the move undermines U.S. manufacturing and national security priorities.

The claim stems from the recently announced partnership between Glenfarne Energy Transition and POSCO International to supply pipeline materials for the Alaska LNG project, according to a CPA report.

SEE HERE: POSCO to Supply Steel, Buy LNG Under Glenfarne’s Alaska LNG Agreement

The project, which would move North Slope gas to an export terminal on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, remains in pre-FID development. CPA contends that the use of Korean-fabricated large-diameter welded pipe contradicts the intent of the Trump administration’s 50% steel tariff, citing weaknesses in the ad valorem tariff structure that could allow tariff evasion through foreign declarations.

“America’s industrial backbone can be hollowed out even while building out American energy infrastructure,” CPA President Jon Toomey said, warning that reliance on imported steel for critical projects threatens U.S. jobs and supply-chain resilience.

As reported by CPA, the group is urging the administration to convert ad valorem duties on fabricated steel and aluminum into specific tariffs based on weight or count — a move it says would close loopholes that encourage offshore manufacturing.

The Alaska LNG project, being advanced by Glenfarne Energy Transition, is expected to include an 807-mile, 42-inch gas pipeline from Alaska’s North Slope to a liquefaction and export terminal near Kenai.