🇯🇵 Japan vs 🇰🇷 South Korea Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

Comparing import tariffs between Japan and South Korea reveals key differences that can significantly impact landed costs for US importers.

Both countries face the same base tariff rate of 10% on most goods entering the United States.

Both countries export Motor vehicles, Machinery, Auto parts, Plastics, and 1 other overlapping categories to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, Japan accounts for approximately $218B in bilateral trade with the US, exceeding South Korea's $169B.

Both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026, following the Supreme Court's ruling striking down IEEPA tariffs. This rate expires approximately July 24, 2026 unless Congress extends it.

Japan's advantages include: Higher US trade volume ($218B vs $169B); Unique export categories: Electrical machinery, Medical instruments, Optical instruments. South Korea's advantages include: Trade agreement: KORUS (duty-free on qualifying goods); Exempt from Section 232 steel/aluminum tariffs; Unique export categories: Semiconductors, Petrochemicals, Ships.

With equivalent base tariff rates, the choice between Japan and South Korea depends primarily on product-specific duties, shipping costs, lead times, and supply chain considerations rather than the base tariff rate.