Tariffs, costs & compliance compared — so you can make the right sourcing call.
| Factor | 🇹🇼 Taiwan | 🇰🇷 South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| US Trade Rank | #8 | #6 |
| Annual US Imports | $109B | $115B |
| Trade Agreement | No FTA | ✓ KORUS |
| Avg Duty Rate | 1.4% average MFN | 0% (KORUS qualifying) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | ✓ None | ✓ None |
| Section 232 (Steel/Alum) | ⚠ 25% steel, 10% aluminum Sectio | ⚠ Korean steel exempt from 25% S |
| Compliance Complexity | ● Low Complexity | ● Low Complexity |
| Ocean Transit to US | 12–20 days (ocean) | 12–18 days (ocean) |
Trade Agreement: No formal FTA
MFN Status: MFN/WTO Member
Transit to US: 12–20 days (ocean) · 3–5 days (air)
Main Ports: Kaohsiung, Keelung (Taipei)
Strong direct service. Classified separately from China for customs — no Section 301.
Semiconductors and electronics generally duty-free under ITA. Key risk is accurate classification — components vs. finished goods.
Full Taiwan Profile →Trade Agreement: KORUS FTA (0% most goods)
MFN Status: KORUS FTA Partner
Transit to US: 12–18 days (ocean) · 3–5 days (air)
Main Ports: Busan, Incheon
Busan is a major transhipment hub. KORUS FTA simplifies documentation.
Rules of origin verification is critical. Korean steel under quota system — excess quota triggers 25% Section 232.
Full South Korea Profile →Based on $50,000 FOB product value. Duty rate reflects typical electronics treatment. Freight is estimated ocean FCL. Actual costs vary by HTS code, Incoterms, carrier, and shipment size.
| Cost Component | 🇹🇼 Taiwan | 🇰🇷 South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| FOB Product Value | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Customs Duties (5% MFN) | $2,500 | Free ($0) |
| Est. Ocean Freight | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| MPF + HMF (US Fees) | $236 | $236 |
| Total Estimated Landed Cost | $56,736 | $54,236 |
That's a 4–5% cost difference. At scale (e.g., 12 shipments/year), that's ~$30,000/year. Run your actual product for precise numbers.
Your HTS code, shipment size, and Incoterms make a big difference. Get a precise cost breakdown for Taiwan vs South Korea in under 60 seconds.
TSMC and semiconductor imports often duty-free under ITA. No political recognition complications for customs purposes.
KORUS Certificate of Origin required. Korean-made vehicles qualify for 0% under KORUS. Strong rules of origin apply.
Accurate country-of-origin marking (19 CFR Part 134), proper HTS classification, CBP entry filing, and applicable agency certifications (FDA, USDA, EPA, CPSC depending on product). Work with a licensed customs broker to confirm requirements for your specific goods.
The right sourcing decision depends on your product category, HTS classification, shipment volume, and tolerance for compliance complexity. Here's the key decision logic:
South Korea benefits from the KORUS trade agreement, potentially eliminating duties on qualifying goods. Taiwan has no comparable FTA.
South Korea can be significantly cheaper for qualifying goods through the KORUS trade agreement. Taiwan does not have a comparable US FTA, so MFN rates apply.
South Korea has a clear advantage: it benefits from KORUS, which can eliminate or reduce duties on qualifying goods. Taiwan has no FTA with the US — full MFN rates apply.
Taiwan is NOT subject to Section 301 tariffs. South Korea is NOT subject to Section 301 tariffs. For steel and aluminum: Taiwan faces Section 232 steel/aluminum duties: 25% steel, 10% aluminum Section 232 duties apply. South Korea faces Section 232 steel/aluminum duties: Korean steel exempt from 25% Section 232 under quota agreement.
For electronics, both Taiwan and South Korea are generally subject to standard MFN rates. Most electronics (HTS Chapter 84, 85) carry 0% MFN duties under the Information Technology Agreement. The real differentiators are compliance complexity (Low for Taiwan vs Low for South Korea), logistics lead times, and supplier quality.
Taiwan: TSMC and semiconductor imports often duty-free under ITA. No political recognition complications for customs purposes. South Korea: KORUS Certificate of Origin required. Korean-made vehicles qualify for 0% under KORUS. Strong rules of origin apply. Both origins require accurate country-of-origin marking (19 CFR Part 134) and proper HTS classification. Consult a licensed customs broker for origin-specific requirements.
Tariff comparisons sourced from USITC HTS Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists as of 2026-04-07. Sample landed cost figures are illustrative estimates only — actual costs depend on HTS classification, Incoterms, carrier rates, and current trade policy. Section 301 product lists, trade agreement rules of origin, and duty rates change frequently. Verify all rates with a licensed customs broker before making sourcing decisions. AI-assisted analysis — not legal or customs advice.