A South Korean association that speaks for local makers of lighting equipment said Sunday it plans to export US$18 million worth of light-emitting diode (LED) lamps to small hotels in the United States. The Korea LED Association said it reached a deal with the Korean American Hotel Association last week in Los Angeles to provide LED lamps to about 300 hotels that belong to the association. LED light bulbs gained popularity in recent years as they are more energy-efficient than incandescent light bulbs. In July, South Korea said it will ban the production of incandescent lighting and the import of such bulbs, both beginning next year to phase out incandescent light bulbs.