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

🇰🇷

South Korea

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)Exempt

Trade AgreementKORUS

Trade Volume$169B

Base Effective Rate10%

🇯🇵

Japan

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$218B

Base Effective Rate10%

Product Overlap

Both countries export these product categories to the US:

Motor vehiclesMachineryAuto partsIron and steelPlastics

🇰🇷 South Korea Advantages

+Trade agreement: KORUS (duty-free on qualifying goods)
+Exempt from Section 232 steel/aluminum tariffs
+Unique export categories: Semiconductors, Petrochemicals, Ships

🇯🇵 Japan Advantages

+Higher US trade volume ($218B vs $169B)
+Unique export categories: Electrical machinery, Medical instruments, Optical instruments

Comparing import tariffs between South Korea and Japan 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, Iron and steel, and 1 other overlapping categories to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

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

Both countries are 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 (about 99.4% of US imports by value), broader than the earlier 46-country proposal. Section 122 had itself replaced the IEEPA tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court. In August 2026, 25 states sued to block the forced-labor tariff, but CBP continues collecting it while the case proceeds.

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. Japan's advantages include: Higher US trade volume ($218B vs $169B); Unique export categories: Electrical machinery, Medical instruments, Optical instruments.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower tariffs — South Korea or Japan?

Both countries face the same base tariff rate of 10%. The difference comes from product-specific duties, Section 301 (China only), and Section 232 (metals).

Should I switch sourcing from South Korea to Japan?

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. With equivalent base rates, focus on non-tariff factors.

Do both South Korea and Japan face the same base tariff?

Yes, both countries are 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. Section 122 had itself replaced the variable IEEPA tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.

What products overlap between South Korea and Japan exports to the US?

Both countries export Motor vehicles, Machinery, Auto parts to the US. South Korea has total bilateral trade of ~$169B while Japan has ~$218B.