POSCO International Tests Blockchain Trade Receivables Tokenization on Injective

POSCO International, South Korea’s largest trading company, has launched a blockchain-based pilot to tokenize trade receivables, marking another step toward modernizing global trade finance. The initiative, developed with LG CNS, the IT services arm of LG Group, uses the Injective blockchain to issue, transfer, and settle trade receivables generated from actual commercial transactions between POSCO’s overseas subsidiaries and business partners.

Unlike traditional systems, where buyers, sellers, and banks maintain separate records that often require days of reconciliation before payments are released, the blockchain pilot creates a single shared ledger. This allows receivables to be transferred and settled more efficiently while embedding compliance rules directly into the digital asset.

POSCO International, which generated $22.2 billion in revenue last year from businesses including steel, energy, and battery materials, said the proof-of-concept is based on real trade data rather than simulated transactions.

“This PoC is significant in that it validated the applicability of AI and blockchain technology based on real trade data and processes,” a POSCO International spokesperson said. The company plans to complete the pilot later this year before expanding the platform into live production.

The project highlights the growing role of tokenization beyond investment funds and equities. Major financial firms such as BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, Apollo, Fidelity, Janus Henderson, and Mubadala Capital have already introduced tokenized investment products to improve settlement and operational efficiency. The tokenized asset market has grown to roughly $35 billion, while Citi projects it could reach $5.5 trillion by 2030.

Trade finance is increasingly viewed as a key opportunity for blockchain adoption because tokenized receivables can improve working capital management and provide banks and financing partners with a transparent, shared view of commercial assets.

South Korea continues to expand enterprise blockchain adoption. Earlier this month, Hyundai began using stablecoins for treasury transfers between its U.S. and Mexico operations, while Circle partnered with Kakao Group and Toss Bank to explore stablecoin payment infrastructure. Through the Injective pilot, POSCO International and LG CNS are extending blockchain innovation into cross-border trade finance.