Kotek’s Asia trip promises trade boost for Oregon

SALEM Ore. (KPTV) – After a week in Japan and South Korea and roughly 100 meetings, Gov. Tina Kotek returned with upbeat rhetoric but few measurable wins, and no public timeline for new flights, shipping routes, or investments. Her office called the trip “laying groundwork,” a familiar promise from past administrations.

The trip, which included First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson and representatives from several state agencies, focused on strengthening Oregon’s relationships with two of its top export markets. Japan and South Korea accounted for roughly $2.5 billion in Oregon trade last year, according to state data.

In 2024, Oregon’s goods exports to Asia were about $19.6 billion, according to the Office of U.S. Trade Representative. So, it’s clear that maintaining and strengthening trade with Asian countries is vital to the health of Oregon’s economy.

What are Oregon’s top exports to Japan/Korea?According to the Port of Portland, Oregon’s most valuable export is semiconductors. Hazelnuts, blueberries, seafood, animal feed, hay, and lumber are also among the state’s exports.

Kotek’s office described the mission as a success, citing about 100 meetings with business and government leaders. The governor reportedly pushed for easing agricultural restrictions and reviving a long-lost nonstop flight between Portland and Asia.

Delta Airlines used to offer direct flights between PDX and Seoul, from 1987 until the late 1990s. Then, Delta announced plans to relaunch the route in 2021, but it was derailed by the pandemic.

Business Oregon Director Sophorn Cheang called the trip “a powerful opportunity” to attract foreign investment and promote Oregon’s manufacturing and technology sectors. Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold said conversations “opened doors for future investments,” including the possibility of more shipping routes and international flights. Neither offered timelines or commitments.

Among the trips highlights, according to the governor’s office:

Kotek met with South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-Seok, who “expressed support” for a direct flight to Portland.Meetings with major firms like Kanto Chemical, Asahi Glass Company, and Toyota Tsusho focused on semiconductor supply chains and sustainability.A mental health roundtable in Japan, hosted by the First Lady, discussed suicide prevention and youth outreach.Travel Oregon officials explored marketing strategies aimed at Japanese and Korean tourists.

While the itinerary was dense, the state has yet to detail any trade agreements, investments, or policy. The governor’s office said the trip was about “laying groundwork.”

Kotek’s office did not disclose the trip’s total cost or who covered which expenses. A full itinerary is available through the governor’s office.

For now, the trip appears to be mostly a diplomatic gesture.