South Korea Export Compliance

The US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) provides zero or reduced tariff rates on the majority of US goods exported to South Korea, but qualifying for these rates requires accurate rules of origin documentation and correct HS code classification. South Korea applies its own strategic goods export controls under the Foreign Trade Act, aligned with international frameworks including the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Australia Group. Section 232 tariffs on steel apply to Korean steel exports to the US under a quota arrangement negotiated in 2018. US exporters should verify that Korean business partners are not affiliated with entities on the BIS Entity List or OFAC SDN List, particularly given South Korea's role as a transshipment point for goods entering North Asian markets.