🇹🇼 Taiwan vs 🇰🇷 South Korea Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

Taiwan and South Korea 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.

Both countries export Semiconductors, Electronics, Machinery, Plastics, and 2 other overlapping categories to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, Taiwan accounts for approximately $114B in bilateral trade with the US, compared to 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.

Taiwan's advantages include: Unique export categories: Optical instruments, Chemicals. 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 $114B); Unique export categories: Motor vehicles, Petrochemicals, Ships.

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