Importing from South Korea
Short answer
South Korea is a KORUS free trade agreement partner. Many goods qualify for a preferential rate, but preference must be claimed with a valid origin certification — it is not automatic. Product-scoped actions can still apply to Korean-origin goods.
Country-scoped actions
Programs that apply because of where the goods come from.
- KORUS preferential rates apply to goods that satisfy the agreement's rules of origin and are supported by a valid certification.
- The Column 1 general rate applies when preference is not claimed or the goods do not qualify.
- The Section 301 forced-labor action effective July 24, 2026 covers roughly 60 economies; verify whether Korean-origin goods fall within the official annex.
Product-scoped actions
Programs that apply because of what the goods are. These are evaluated against your HTS classification independently of origin — the absence of a country-specific action does not exempt a product.
- Section 232 steel, aluminium, and copper actions apply to qualifying articles from South Korea. These are scoped by HTS classification, not by country — the absence of a country-specific action does not exempt a product.
- Antidumping and countervailing duty orders apply per case.
Recent changes
Section 122 expired; a Section 301 forced-labor action took effect covering roughly 60 economies. Confirm Korea's tier in the official annex.
USTR — Notice of Actions in Section 301 Investigations of Acts, Policies, and Practices of Various Economies
Get a figure for your shipment
Country context narrows the possibilities but does not produce a rate. The rate attaches to your HTS subheading.
Open the calculatorCommon questions
Sources
- retrieved
- 2026-08-09
Primary source of truth for Column 1 general rates, special rates, and Chapter 99 subheadings.
- FR
- 91 FR 47318
- effective
- 2026-07-24
- retrieved
- 2026-08-09
Two-tier 10% / 12.5% additional duties on products of roughly 60 economies, effective 2026-07-24. Implemented in HTS Chapter 99 subchapter III at heading 9903.02, which carries 91 lines covering per-economy tiers, in-transit exceptions and carve-outs. No statutory expiration.