South Korea Tariff Rates 2026: 10% on US Imports
As of 2026-07-24, US imports from South Korea carry an effective tariff of about 10%. This combines the 10% Section 122 baseline applied to all countries. The rate fell from 25% after the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs in February 2026, so importers who paid the higher rate between April 2025 and February 2026 may qualify for refunds. Goods qualifying under the KORUS FTA may enter with reduced or zero base duty, though the Section 122 tariff still applies. The 10% Section 122 tariff (effective Feb 24, 2026) expired at its 150-day limit on July 24, 2026 and was replaced the same day by the Section 301 forced-labor tariff (10%, or 12.5% for higher-tier economies).
Last verified July 24, 2026 · Source: USITC HTS · Section 122 / 301 / 232 · run your exact numbers
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If you imported goods from South Korea between April 2025 and February 2026, you likely paid the 25% IEEPA tariff that was later ruled unconstitutional. You may be owed a refund.
Section 232 rates shown apply to articles wholly of steel, aluminum, or copper. Since the April 6, 2026 restructuring, qualifying derivative products are dutied at 25% on their full customs value rather than 50%. Verify your product’s classification — the exact 232 treatment depends on HTS code and metal content.
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South Korea Import Tariff Overview
South Korea saw major tariff relief from the SCOTUS ruling — its IEEPA rate dropped from 25% to the 10% Section 122 tariff. Combined with the KORUS FTA (which eliminates MFN duties on qualifying goods), South Korea is now one of the most cost-effective Asian sourcing origins at $116B in annual US imports.
The KORUS FTA, in effect since 2012, eliminated tariffs on approximately 95% of bilateral trade in goods. The old 25% IEEPA tariff had created an unusually punitive layered structure on top of KORUS preferences. The SCOTUS ruling and shift to 10% Section 122 has restored South Korea's competitive position. South Korea has a Section 232 steel quota arrangement (TRQ) that exempts qualifying steel volumes from the 50% tariff.
Key Products Imported from South Korea
Top imports include semiconductors and display panels, passenger vehicles (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis), auto parts, machinery, organic chemicals, and steel products. South Korea is a critical supplier of memory chips, OLED displays, and EV batteries (Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution, SK Innovation).
Recent Changes
Feb 20, 2026: SCOTUS struck down IEEPA tariffs — South Korea's rate dropped from 25% to 10% Section 122 (scheduled to sunset ~July 24, 2026). This represents a 15-point reduction and major relief for Korean exporters. Section 232 steel quota arrangement remains. Samsung, LG, SK, and Hyundai continue expanding US manufacturing operations (EV battery gigafactories in Georgia, Tennessee, and Michigan). KORUS FTA is stable.
Tips for Importers
KORUS FTA certificates of origin are now even more valuable — they eliminate MFN duties, leaving only the 10% Section 122 tariff (down from 25% IEEPA). For semiconductors, most enter at 0% MFN, so the tariff burden is just the 10% Section 122. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles built in the US (Alabama, Georgia) avoid all import tariffs. Korean steel within the Section 232 TRQ avoids the 50% surcharge. The Section 122 expiry in ~July 2026 could remove the remaining 10% layer.
How Are US Tariffs on South Korea Imports Calculated?
US import duties on goods from South Korea are determined by multiple overlapping tariff authorities. The base layer is the 10% Section 301 forced-labor tariff, which replaced the expired 10% Section 122 tariff on July 24, 2026 and applies to most countries without a separate trade deal. South Korea benefits from the KORUS FTA, which can eliminate MFN base duties on qualifying goods — though the Section 122 tariff still applies on top of FTA preferences.
To calculate the total duty on a specific import from South Korea, use our US import duty calculator or landed cost calculator for a complete estimate including Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). You can also compare South Korea rates with other countries to evaluate sourcing alternatives.
Already importing from South Korea? If you paid the higher pre-SCOTUS IEEPA rate in 2025, you may be able to claim an IEEPA tariff refund. And if you re-export or manufacture with imported goods, duty drawback can recover up to 99% of the duties you paid — both are separate from the rates above.
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Rates by Product Sector
| Sector | Base Rate | Surcharge | Effective Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0% | — | Free | — |
| Automobiles & Parts | 0% | — | Free | Eliminated under KORUS FTA |
| Steel & Aluminum | 0% | — | Free | Quota arrangement |
| Machinery & Equipment | 0% | — | Free | — |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Note: Rates shown do not include potential anti-dumping or countervailing duties (AD/CVD), which may apply to specific products and can significantly increase total duty. Consult a customs broker for product-specific rates.