KOREA, SOUTH-US Trade Profile

Comprehensive analysis of KOREA, SOUTH exports to the United States, including trade volumes, commodity breakdown, tariff rates, and logistics infrastructure.

Hedge tariff risk: Trade tariff prediction markets on Ballast Markets to lock in costs and protect margins against tariff changes affecting KOREA, SOUTH imports.

Trade Overview (2023)

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Country | KOREA, SOUTH | | Country Code | KR | | Total US Imports | $81.38 billion (2023) | | Number of Products | 10+ HS codes tracked | | Tariff Exposure | 0-25% (MFN + potential Section 301/232) |

Top Import Categories

The United States imported 10+ different products from KOREA, SOUTH in 2023. Here are the top 10 by value:

1. Auto parts/accessories (HS 8708)

Import Value: $38.34 billion (47.1% of total)
HS Code: 8708
Tariff Rate: View HS 8708 KR tariff

Auto parts/accessories is a major export from KOREA, SOUTH, representing 47.1% of bilateral trade.

2. Semiconductors (HS 8542)

Import Value: $15.69 billion (19.3% of total)
HS Code: 8542
Tariff Rate: View HS 8542 KR tariff

Semiconductors is a major export from KOREA, SOUTH, representing 19.3% of bilateral trade.

3. Diodes, transistors (HS 8541)

Import Value: $10.51 billion (12.9% of total)
HS Code: 8541
Tariff Rate: View HS 8541 KR tariff

Diodes, transistors is a major export from KOREA, SOUTH, representing 12.9% of bilateral trade.

4. Electrical transformers (HS 8504)

Import Value: $7.86 billion (9.7% of total)
HS Code: 8504
Tariff Rate: View HS 8504 KR tariff

Electrical transformers is a major export from KOREA, SOUTH, representing 9.7% of bilateral trade.

5. Hot-rolled steel coil (HS 7208)

Import Value: $3.17 billion (3.9% of total)
HS Code: 7208
Tariff Rate: View HS 7208 KR tariff

Hot-rolled steel coil is a major export from KOREA, SOUTH, representing 3.9% of bilateral trade.

6. Radio receivers (HS 8527)

Import Value: $2.53 billion (3.1% of total)
HS Code: 8527
Tariff Rate: View HS 8527 KR tariff

Radio receivers is a major export from KOREA, SOUTH, representing 3.1% of bilateral trade.

7. Air conditioning machines (HS 8415)

Import Value: $2.23 billion (2.7% of total)
HS Code: 8415
Tariff Rate: View HS 8415 KR tariff

Air conditioning machines is a major export from KOREA, SOUTH, representing 2.7% of bilateral trade.

8. Computing machines (HS 8471)

Import Value: $0.72 billion (0.9% of total)
HS Code: 8471
Tariff Rate: View HS 8471 KR tariff

Computing machines is a major export from KOREA, SOUTH, representing 0.9% of bilateral trade.

9. Microphones/loudspeakers (HS 8518)

Import Value: $0.27 billion (0.3% of total)
HS Code: 8518
Tariff Rate: View HS 8518 KR tariff

Microphones/loudspeakers is a major export from KOREA, SOUTH, representing 0.3% of bilateral trade.

10. Sound recording equipment (HS 8519)

Import Value: $0.08 billion (0.1% of total)
HS Code: 8519
Tariff Rate: View HS 8519 KR tariff

Sound recording equipment is a major export from KOREA, SOUTH, representing 0.1% of bilateral trade.

Commodity Breakdown Table

| Rank | Product | HS Code | Import Value (2023) | Share of Total | |------|---------|---------|-------------------|----------------| | 1 | Auto parts/accessories | 8708 | $38.34B | 47.1% | | 2 | Semiconductors | 8542 | $15.69B | 19.3% | | 3 | Diodes, transistors | 8541 | $10.51B | 12.9% | | 4 | Electrical transformers | 8504 | $7.86B | 9.7% | | 5 | Hot-rolled steel coil | 7208 | $3.17B | 3.9% | | 6 | Radio receivers | 8527 | $2.53B | 3.1% | | 7 | Air conditioning machines | 8415 | $2.23B | 2.7% | | 8 | Computing machines | 8471 | $0.72B | 0.9% | | 9 | Microphones/loudspeakers | 8518 | $0.27B | 0.3% | | 10 | Sound recording equipment | 8519 | $0.08B | 0.1% |

Tariff Landscape

Current Tariff Rates

MFN Tariff Rates: KOREA, SOUTH products enter under Most-Favored Nation rates:

Base Rates: 0-15% depending on HS classification
Average Rate: Varies by product category
Section 301 Risk: Potential additional tariffs if trade disputes arise
FTA Status: No current free trade agreement with US

Tariff Considerations:

Product-specific rates vary widely
No preferential access like USMCA countries
Lower than China but higher than Mexico/Canada

Tariff Impact by Product

View detailed tariff rates for specific KOREA, SOUTH products:

Logistics & Shipping

Major Trade Routes

KOREA, SOUTH goods typically ship to the US via:

Ocean Shipping:

Container services from major KOREA, SOUTH ports
Transit times: 7-25 days depending on route
Freight rates vary by season and capacity

US Ports of Entry:

Transit Times

| Route Type | Transit Time | Notes | |------------|-------------|-------| | Ocean Freight | 10-20 days | Port-to-port | | Air Freight | 3-7 days | Premium option | | Door-to-Door | 18-30 days | Including customs |

Risk Management

Supply Chain Risks

Tariff Volatility:

Moderate risk (potential Section 301 actions)
Policy changes can occur with 60-90 days notice
Effective tariff rates can double or triple

Logistics Risks:

Port congestion at US gateways
Regional supply chain bottlenecks
Seasonal capacity constraints

Hedging Strategies

1. Tariff Prediction Markets

Hedge KOREA, SOUTH tariff exposure using tariff prediction markets:

Example:

Exposure: $10M annual imports from KOREA, SOUTH
Current Tariff: 5-15%
Hedge: Buy "KR-US Tariff > 25%" position
Protection: Payout offsets increased duty costs

2. Sourcing Diversification

Don't rely solely on KOREA, SOUTH:

Blend KOREA, SOUTH with multiple regions
Reduce concentration risk
Maintain supply chain flexibility

3. USMCA Optimization

Consider shifting production to USMCA countries:

Mexico/Canada offer 0% tariffs
Shorter supply chains
Lower tariff risk

Related Resources

KOREA, SOUTH Ports - Major export gateways
Tariff Hedging Strategies - Risk management
Section 301 Tariffs - China trade actions
Container Shipping Routes - KOREA, SOUTH-US logistics

Sources

U.S. Census Bureau International Trade Data (2023)
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Ballast Markets bilateral trade analysis

Risk Disclosure

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or trade advice. Tariff rates are subject to change based on government policy and bilateral negotiations. Trade statistics may have reporting delays. Verify current rates and compliance requirements with customs brokers and trade advisors. Prediction markets involve risk of loss.

Disclaimer

Ballast Markets provides this content as a free educational resource for the global trade community. Trade data is sourced from official U.S. government sources but may contain errors or be outdated. For sourcing and compliance decisions, always verify with customs brokers and industry experts.

Last updated: 2025-11-04