🇰🇷 South Korea vs 🇻🇳 Vietnam Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

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

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

Both countries export Machinery, Auto parts, Electronics, 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, exceeding Vietnam's $127B.

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 $127B); Unique export categories: Motor vehicles, Semiconductors, Petrochemicals. Vietnam's advantages include: Unique export categories: Textiles, Footwear, Furniture.

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