🇰🇷 South Korea vs 🇦🇷 Argentina Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

South Korea and Argentina are both significant US trading partners, but their tariff profiles differ in important ways that affect import costs.

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

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

In terms of trade volume, South Korea accounts for approximately $169B in bilateral trade with the US, exceeding Argentina's $14B.

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.

South Korea's advantages include: Trade agreement: KORUS (duty-free on qualifying goods); Exempt from Section 232 steel/aluminum tariffs; Higher US trade volume ($169B vs $14B); Unique export categories: Motor vehicles, Semiconductors, Machinery. Argentina's advantages include: Unique export categories: Soybean oil, Crude oil, Gold.

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