What is the average US tariff rate for South Korea?
8.5%
9%
The “effective tariff rate” is based on estimated customs duties: tariffs and other import-related fees that the US collects on goods brought into the country. These estimates don’t always match the exact amount importers paid. Why?
- Some goods qualify for partial or full duty-free treatment (like some goods made by a trading partner with a free trade agreement). That can make duties look higher than what was actually paid.
- For goods with special or variable rates, customs may report a dutiable value but not calculate the duty. That makes the estimate lower than the true amount.
Because of these adjustments, the figures are best understood as approximations of the effective tariff rate, not precise dollar-for-dollar payments.
The average effective tariff rate on goods from South Korea was 8.5% in February 2026.
Monthly average effective tariff rate (customs duty revenue as a share of good imports)
How are tariff rates determined?
- Trade agreements: Free trade agreements, like the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), set many tariffs at zero between partners. The US has free trade agreements with 20 countries.
- Normal trade relations: Most countries trade with the US under “normal trade relations” status, which provides standard tariff rates.
- Special cases: Some nations, including Cuba, Russia, Belarus, and North Korea, do not have “normal trade relations” status. Imports from these countries face higher rates set by law.
- Preference programs: Some developing countries qualify for reduced rates under special programs. For example, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) lets many sub-Saharan African nations export textiles and other goods duty-free.
- Product mix: The types of goods imported from a country also matter. For example, agricultural products or textiles may carry higher rates than raw materials like metals or oil.
In 2025, the average effective tariff rate was 9%.
Average effective tariff rate (customs duty revenue as a share of good imports)
What types of products have higher tariffs?
Average effective tariff rates, by goods imports categories
| 1. | Aluminum and articles thereof | 47.4% |
| 2. | Iron and steel | 44.9% |
| 3. | Articles of iron and steel | 44.5% |
| 4. | Railway or tramway locomotives, track fixtures, mechanical traffic signalling equipment, etc. | 42.2% |
| 5. | Tools, implements, and cutlery of base metal & parts thereof | 15.5% |
| 6. | Furskins and artificial fur | 15% |
| 7. | Live animals | 15% |
| 8. | Ships, boats, & floating structures | 15% |
| 9. | Tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes | 15% |
| 10. | Residues and waste from food industries & prepared animal feed | 15% |
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
