BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Gov. Landry joined President Trump at the White House Monday afternoon to announce plans for a $5.8 billion Hyundai steel mill in Louisiana as part of a $20 billion investment in the U.S.
According to Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the new facility will be located on 1,700 acres in Donaldsonville’s RiverPlex MegaPark and will be Hyundai’s first North American steel plant.
The project is expected to create 1,300 direct jobs with an average salary of $95,000 and approximately 4,100 indirect jobs, resulting in a total of 5,400 new jobs.
Production and environmental impact
The mill will use an electric arc furnace (EAF), producing 2.7 million metric tons of steel each year with 70% lower emissions than traditional blast furnaces. Hyundai Steel Company plans to import approximately 3.6 million tons of iron ore annually to the facility.
“We plan to supply automotive steel plates not only for Hyundai Motor and Kia’s strategic models but also to expand sales to U.S. automakers in the future,” said Hyundai Steel Company President and CEO Gang Hyun Seo.
Infrastructure and partnerships
The Port of South Louisiana will partner with Hyundai Steel Company to construct a deep-water dock on the Westbank of Ascension Parish.
Entergy Louisiana is planning major transmission projects to support the plant, including upgrades on the Westbank of the Mississippi River and south-central Louisiana.
The state is providing a $100 million performance-based grant for infrastructure improvements, and Hyundai is expected to participate in the Quality Jobs program.
“Hyundai’s decision to invest nearly $6 billion in Ascension Parish speaks volumes about Louisiana’s skilled workforce, robust infrastructure and our ability to compete for innovative manufacturing facilities,” said Gov. Landry.
Trump’s tariff strategy and White House event
President Trump touted Hyundai’s decision to build the Louisiana steel mill as a direct result of his administration’s tariff policies.
“This investment is a clear demonstration that tariffs very strongly work,” Trump said during the White House announcement. “And I hope other things also, but the tariffs are bringing them in at levels that have not been witnessed.”
The White House ceremony included Hyundai Chair Euisun Chung, Gov. Jeff Landry, Speaker Mike Johnson (R), and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R).
Trump said his administration plans to impose reciprocal tariffs beginning April 2 on countries with duties on U.S. goods. He mentioned potential tariffs on car imports, pharmaceutical imports, semiconductor imports, and other materials, though it remains undecided if those measures will be enacted.
Trump reportedly argued that the tariffs would not only incentivize companies to invest in the U.S. but also grow government revenue.
Local training center to prepare workers
To address workforce needs, River Parishes Community College and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) will establish a new training center. This facility will provide job-specific instruction and administrative assistance through LED’s FastStart program.
“Today marks a milestone in our community’s journey toward a brighter and more prosperous future for all of Ascension,” said Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment.
Louisiana leaders celebrate major investment
Louisiana politicians praised the announcement, highlighting the potential economic benefits.
“Made in America is good, but made in Louisiana is even better! My team has advocated to Hyundai that Louisiana is the best state to invest in. I’m glad they agree! Thank you to President Trump and Governor Landry for their support for American manufacturing and Louisiana jobs,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy.
“Today’s announcement from Hyundai Steel is a major milestone in fortifying America’s manufacturing future. I’m proud to have voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which created the incentives driving manufacturing investment in Louisiana and across the nation. This investment in Louisiana addresses the growing need for a resilient, secure domestic supply chain. As demand for locally produced, high-quality automotive steel continues to rise, this state-of-the-art facility will play a critical role in supporting Hyundai Motor Group’s U.S. production operations and driving economic growth across the region. With 1,300 direct jobs and thousands more in the supply chain, this is a significant leap forward in ensuring the strength and security of U.S. manufacturing for years to come. I look forward to working with Hyundai to ensure that the company addresses community concerns and provides training and career opportunities to our residents,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter.
“Great news for Ascension Parish and all of Louisiana with billions in investment and up to 1,500 new manufacturing jobs coming! @realdonaldtrump and @LAGovJeffLandry are working tirelessly to create jobs and opportunity for our people,” Congresswoman Julia Letlow said on X.
Construction timeline
Construction on the plant is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026.
The Hill contributed to this report.
