US Import Tariffs from South Korea
Applicable Tariff Rates for South Korea-Origin Goods
The following rates apply to goods with South Korea country of origin imported into the United States. All rates are ad valorem (percentage of customs value) unless noted.
| Tariff Type | Rate | Applies To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN / General Rate | Varies by HTS code | All goods (baseline) | In Effect |
| KORUS Preferential Rate | 0% (qualifying goods) | Goods meeting rules of origin | In Effect |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) | 25% / 10% | Korean steel exempt from 25% Section 232 under quota agreement | In Effect |
South Korea is a KORUS partner. Qualifying goods can enter the US at 0% duty — but you must provide a valid Certificate of Origin and meet rules of origin requirements. Verify classification and ROO before claiming preferential treatment.
Top US Imports from South Korea
These product categories represent the highest-volume imports from South Korea into the United States. Each category has specific HTS codes, duty rates, and compliance requirements.
Get the Exact HTS Code + Duty Rate
Enter your product description. Our AI classifier returns the correct HTS code, applicable duty rates, and South Korea Section 301/FTA status.
CBP Compliance for South Korea-Origin Goods
KORUS Certificate of Origin required. Korean-made vehicles qualify for 0% under KORUS. Strong rules of origin apply.
Country of Origin Requirements
All goods imported from South Korea must be marked with their country of origin per CBP regulations (19 CFR 134). Goods must be "substantially transformed" in South Korea to claim South Korea origin — assembly alone is typically insufficient.
Rules of origin verification is critical. Korean steel under quota system — excess quota triggers 25% Section 232.
Landed Cost from South Korea
Get a complete cost breakdown including duty, MPF, HMF, freight, and insurance for South Korea-origin shipments.
Compare South Korea vs. Other Origins
See side-by-side tariff and cost comparisons for South Korea against other major sourcing countries.
Common Questions About Importing from South Korea
The Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), in effect since March 2012, eliminated duties on approximately 95% of US-Korea trade within 10 years. As of 2026, most industrial goods from South Korea enter the US at 0% duty under KORUS. Notable KORUS benefits: automobiles and auto parts at 0% (fully phased in by 2021), electronics at 0% (ITA + KORUS combined), machinery and industrial equipment at 0%–2.5% MFN already low. Agricultural products have more complex schedules — some with continued TRQs and phase-in periods. To claim KORUS preference, importers must obtain a KORUS certificate of origin and declare preference on CBP entry. Rules of origin require sufficient Korean content and/or tariff classification change.
South Korea negotiated a steel quota arrangement with the US that exempts Korean steel from the 25% Section 232 tariff — instead, South Korea operates under a TRQ (Tariff Rate Quota) that allows 70% of 2015–2017 average export volumes to enter at 0% Section 232. Steel above the quota faces 25% Section 232. Aluminum from South Korea is fully exempt from Section 232 tariffs under the TRQ arrangement. Korean steel importers should verify whether the quarterly quota for their specific HTS code has been exhausted before importing — exhausted quotas trigger full 25% rates.
Yes. Several active AD/CVD orders affect Korean goods as of 2026, including: oil country tubular goods (OCTG) steel pipe, hot-rolled steel products, corrosion-resistant steel, certain solar panels, and washing machines (subject to global safeguard action). Total duties on affected Korean steel products can exceed 50% when AD, CVD, and MFN base rates are combined. Check the Commerce Department enforcement.trade.gov AD/CVD portal for current cash deposit rates on specific HTS codes before importing Korean steel, solar, or appliances.
South Korea is a major US electronics supplier — Samsung, LG, and SK Hynix export billions of dollars in semiconductors, displays, and consumer electronics to the US annually. Compliance requirements: (1) FCC equipment authorization for any RF-emitting device (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular), (2) UL/ETL safety listing for devices connecting to 120V US power, (3) proper HTS classification — Korean electronics commonly qualify under ITA at 0% duty, (4) KORUS preferential rate claim if applicable. Korean OLED displays and memory chips often qualify for 0% under ITA regardless of KORUS status.
KORUS is one of the most comprehensive US bilateral FTAs, providing broader sectoral coverage than most other agreements. Key differences: KORUS eliminates duties on virtually all manufactured goods and most agricultural products (unlike, e.g., CAFTA which has more agricultural TRQs). Automotive phase-out under KORUS is complete — Korean cars enter at 0% vs. the non-FTA 2.5% MFN rate. KORUS includes strong IP protections, services liberalization, and government procurement commitments. It remains the third-largest US FTA by trade value, after USMCA and AUSFTA.
Importing from South Korea — Complete 2026 Analysis
US–South Korea Trade Relationship
South Korea is the 6th largest US import source at $115B annually. The US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), effective March 2012, provides duty-free treatment for the vast majority of Korean goods. KORUS covers over 95% of trade in industrial goods at 0% — semiconductors, electronics, auto parts, machinery, and chemicals all qualify. South Korea is a critical semiconductor supplier (Samsung, SK Hynix) and a major auto exporter (Hyundai, Kia). KORUS-qualifying goods are generally exempt from IEEPA baseline tariffs.
Practical Import Guidance for South Korea-Origin Goods
KORUS preference claims require a certificate of origin — Korean exporters typically provide these, but importers should verify and maintain records. Auto parts face strict KORUS rules of origin with specific RVC requirements. Electronics and semiconductors generally qualify easily under KORUS. For steel/aluminum products, Section 232 applies despite KORUS — Korea has a quota arrangement (232 Exclusion/TRQ) with annual volume caps. When quota fills mid-year, remaining shipments face full 25%/10% Section 232 duties.
Key Risks and Compliance Considerations
Section 232 steel/aluminum quotas — monitor CBP quota status to avoid 25% overage. Automotive safety parts require FMVSS certification. KORUS ROO documentation for complex manufacturing chains. Anti-dumping orders on Korean steel pipe, wire, and OCTG products.
Total Tariff Stack for South Korea-Origin Imports
Understanding the cumulative tariff layers for South Korea is essential for accurate landed cost calculation:
- Base MFN Rate: 0% (KORUS qualifying) (varies by HTS code)
- KORUS Preferential Rate: 0% for qualifying goods with proper documentation
- Section 232: 25% steel / 10% aluminum. Korean steel exempt from 25% Section 232 under quota agreement
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of entered value (min $31.67, max $614.35 per entry)
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of cargo value (ocean shipments only)
For a complete breakdown of your specific product's tariff exposure from South Korea, order a $19 Tariff Exposure Report.
Tools for South Korea Importers
Other US Trading Partner Tariff Profiles
Tariff rates are sourced from USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Federal Register notices as of 2026-05-16. Section 301 rates reflect current USTR actions. Always verify with official sources before importing. AI-assisted analysis provided for informational purposes only — not legal or customs advice.