South Korea is the eighth largest steel exporter in the world. 40% of South Korea's exports are steel-related products, with the main demand coming from the automotive industry. Hyundai Motor Company, a major economic driver in South Korea, purchases 60-70% of its steel materials from Hyundai Steel.

The steel industry has been one of the hardest hit by the recent increase in green regulations and trade policies related to carbon emissions, and to this response many steel companies are working to develop low-carbon materials.

Yet, Hyundai Steel's current Carbon Neutral Roadmap lacks detailed plans to achieve its promised 12% carbon emission reduction by 2030 and a blueprint toward net zero 2050.

If Hyundai Steel's commitment and plans to become carbon neutral are not improved, it will be close to impossible for Hyundai Motors to achieve its 2045 carbon neutral roadmap as well as its current competitiveness in the future.