🇭🇺 Hungary vs 🇨🇱 Chile Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

🇭🇺

Hungary

EU Deal Rate15%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$7B

Base Effective Rate15%

🇨🇱

Chile

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementUS-Chile FTA

Trade Volume$30B

Base Effective Rate10%

🇭🇺 Hungary Advantages

+Unique export categories: Motor vehicles, Electrical machinery, Machinery

🇨🇱 Chile Advantages

+Lower overall tariff rate (10% vs 15%)
+Trade agreement: US-Chile FTA (duty-free on qualifying goods)
+Higher US trade volume ($30B vs $7B)
+Unique export categories: Copper, Lithium, Salmon

When choosing between Hungary and Chile as import sources, US businesses must weigh tariff rates, trade agreements, product availability, and supply chain logistics.

Chile has a lower effective tariff rate (10%) compared to Hungary (15%), a difference of 5%.

These countries have largely distinct export profiles to the United States, serving different market segments.

In terms of trade volume, Hungary accounts for approximately $7B in bilateral trade with the US, compared to Chile's $30B.

Hungary is an EU member and trades under the EU-US deal effective July 1, 2026 — a 15% all-inclusive ceiling with no stacking. Chile is subject to the Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced the flat 10% Section 122 rate on July 24, 2026 — a two-tier 10%/12.5% duty on roughly 60 economies, broader than the earlier 46-country proposal.

Hungary's advantages include: Unique export categories: Motor vehicles, Electrical machinery, Machinery. Chile's advantages include: Lower overall tariff rate (10% vs 15%); Trade agreement: US-Chile FTA (duty-free on qualifying goods); Higher US trade volume ($30B vs $7B); Unique export categories: Copper, Lithium, Salmon.

For most product categories, Chile currently offers lower import costs due to its tariff advantage. However, importers should consider factors beyond tariffs including shipping costs, lead times, quality standards, and supply chain reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower tariffs — Hungary or Chile?

Chile has a lower effective tariff rate (10% vs 15%). The gap reflects the EU's 15% deal ceiling versus the 10%/12.5% forced-labor tariff on non-EU countries.

Should I switch sourcing from Hungary to Chile?

The decision depends on more than tariff rates. Consider total landed cost (shipping, insurance, customs fees), lead times, quality standards, minimum order quantities, and supply chain reliability. The 5% tariff difference is significant but not the only factor. Also weigh durability: the EU's 15% deal rate has no expiry, while non-EU origins pay the Section 301 forced-labor tariff (10% or 12.5% by tier) that replaced Section 122 on July 24, 2026.

Do both Hungary and Chile face the same base tariff?

No — they are under different regimes as of July 1, 2026. Hungary (EU) trades under the EU-US deal's 15% all-inclusive ceiling, which has no expiration date. Chile is subject to the Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced the flat 10% Section 122 rate on July 24, 2026 — a two-tier 10%/12.5% duty on roughly 60 economies.

What products overlap between Hungary and Chile exports to the US?

Both countries export various products to the US. Hungary has total bilateral trade of ~$7B while Chile has ~$30B.