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Free trade agreement

U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement

South Korea · In force since March 15, 2012

The US Trade Representative lists this agreement as in force with South Korea. In 2025 US exports to South Korea came to $69.1 billion, and imports from there to $125.5 billion.

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US exports, 2025
$69.1B
US imports, 2025
$125.5B
Claim prefix
KROn the entry summary

Top goods each way, 2025

US exports to South Korea

Mineral fuels and oils (chapter 27) led US exports to South Korea at $17.5 billion, 25% of the total. The top three chapters made up 45%.

  1. 27Mineral fuels and oils$17.5 billion25.3%
  2. 84Machinery and mechanical appliances$8.2 billion11.9%
  3. 85Electrical machinery and equipment$5.6 billion8.2%
  4. 88Aircraft and spacecraft$4.6 billion6.7%
  5. 90Optical, medical and precision instruments$4.3 billion6.3%

US imports from South Korea

Vehicles and parts (chapter 87) led US imports from South Korea at $37.2 billion, 30% of the total. The top three chapters made up 67%.

  1. 87Vehicles and parts$37.2 billion29.6%
  2. 84Machinery and mechanical appliances$24.6 billion19.6%
  3. 85Electrical machinery and equipment$22.1 billion17.6%
  4. 30Pharmaceutical products$5.3 billion4.2%
  5. 27Mineral fuels and oils$5.0 billion4.0%

Claiming the lower duty on US imports

From 19 CFR Part 10, Subpart R, as published on eCFR.

An importer can claim the agreement's preferential tariff treatment on the basis of a certification prepared by the importer, the exporter or the producer, or on the importer's own knowledge that the good is originating (19 CFR 10.1003). The claim is made on the entry summary by putting “KR” before the HTSUS subheading of each qualifying good (19 CFR 10.1003).

The certification can be written or electronic, in no prescribed format, and a blanket certification can cover identical goods for up to 12 months. The importer submits a copy when CBP asks for it (19 CFR 10.1004).

No copy of the certification is required for a non-commercial importation, or for a commercial importation of originating goods valued at $2,500 or less, unless CBP finds the shipment is one of a series split up to avoid the requirement (19 CFR 10.1006).

The importer keeps the records that show the goods qualify for at least five years from the date of importation (19 CFR 10.1007).

If no claim was made at entry, the importer can claim a refund of the excess duties within one year of the date of importation (19 CFR 10.1010).

The rules of origin for the agreement are set out in General Note 33 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

Paperwork

Our certificates of origin page covers origin paperwork for exports, and import customs clearance covers the entry side. The US Trade Representative publishes the agreement text and summary.

Other US free trade agreements

Sources