Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implications of a significant immigration enforcement action by the U.S. against workers at a joint battery manufacturing site of Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, raising concerns about the future of their investment plans in the U.S. [4][5][6] Group 1: Incident Overview - On September 4, U.S. authorities conducted a large-scale immigration enforcement operation at the construction site of a $4.3 billion battery manufacturing plant, detaining 475 workers, including over 300 South Koreans [4][5]. - The project is currently halted, and production may be delayed until the first half of next year [4]. Group 2: Company Responses - LG Energy Solution has suspended employee business travel to the U.S. and advised employees currently in the U.S. to return home [5]. - The U.S. government stated that foreign workers must enter legally and possess valid work permits, indicating that many detained were considered illegal immigrants [5]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The incident highlights ongoing visa issues that may complicate South Korean companies' operations in the U.S. [6]. - The U.S. aims to encourage foreign investment while simultaneously prioritizing local resources and policies, which could challenge the operational capabilities of South Korean firms reliant on local technical expertise [6]. Group 4: Future Investment Concerns - The joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Hyundai Motor is part of a broader strategy, with LG planning eight facilities in the U.S. with a total capacity exceeding 350 GWh [6][7]. - The recent enforcement action raises questions about the viability of over $100 billion in investments discussed at the recent U.S.-South Korea summit [8]. Group 5: Broader Market Context - South Korea is the sixth-largest trading partner of the U.S., but the relationship is more fragile than perceived [8]. - The U.S. battery market is expanding, and reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains necessitates continued collaboration with South Korean battery firms [8].
电池巨头被迫停工,475名工人被拘留
起点锂电·2025-09-09 10:53