The deal came just ahead of President Moon Jae-in's meeting with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, who has called on foreign businesses operating in the U.S. to build plants there and create jobs.

Samsung on Wednesday said the head of its home appliance division, Yoon Boo-keun, signed a letter of intent in Washington D.C. with U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

Samsung will spend US$380 million building the plant, which is expected to create 950 jobs. It will make washing machines, microwave ovens and refrigerators.

Samsung said Newberry was chosen for its abundance of skilled workers and good access to transportation.

The plan could go a long way to easing the pressure from dumping charges against Korean businesses. Last month, U.S. home appliance maker Whirlpool turned to the International Trade Association with complaints that it suffered damage from Samsung's dumping of washing machines in the U.S. and called for steps to curb the rising American market share of Korean companies.

