US Tariffs on Imports from South Korea
Did You Import From South Korea?
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.
Estimate Your South Korea IEEPA Refund
60-second free estimate. Based on the 25% pre-ruling rate.
Where did you import from?
Pick the country — we’ll calculate your refund rate.
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 (expires ~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 US Tariffs on South Korea Work
US import duties on goods from South Korea are determined by multiple overlapping tariff authorities. The base layer is the Section 122 tariff at 10%, which applies to all countries and is set to expire around July 24, 2026. 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 tariff 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.
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 | — |
See tariff rates for:
Compare with Alternative Sources
Browse South Korea Tariffs by Product Category
Compare South Korea with Other Countries
US States Importing from South Korea
Calculate Duty from South Korea
South Korea Tariffs by Product
Guides for South Korea Importers
Tariff rates change fast. Stay ahead.
Free alerts when US import tariff rates change. Join importers and trade professionals who stay informed.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did South Korean tariffs drop after the SCOTUS ruling?
How does the KORUS FTA interact with the Section 122 tariff?
Are Korean EV batteries subject to tariffs?
How does the South Korean steel quota arrangement work?
Related Product Categories
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.