Shipping from South Korea to USA
Ocean and air freight from South Korea with KORUS FTA duty-free benefits. Electronics, automobiles, steel, and chemicals shipped from Busan and Incheon to all US ports.
Why Suaid Global — South Korea to USA
KORUS FTA Since 2012
The US–Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), in force since March 2012, eliminates duties on the vast majority of Korean goods. We prepare KORUS Certificates of Origin and verify rules-of-origin compliance for every FTA shipment.
Auto & Parts Expertise
South Korea is a major automobile and auto parts exporter to the USA (Hyundai, Kia, KIA EV6). We handle RO-RO (roll-on roll-off) for vehicles and specialized breakbulk for large auto parts.
Busan Hub Access
Busan is one of Asia's largest container ports and a major transshipment hub. We leverage Busan's connectivity to offer competitive FCL rates to all US coasts via direct and relay services.
Shipping Modes & Transit Times
Ocean FCL
18–28 days
Ideal For: Automobiles, electronics, machinery, steel, and high-volume manufactured goods
Ocean LCL
24–34 days
Ideal For: Smaller commercial shipments, samples, and mixed loads under 15 CBM
Air Freight
3–6 days
Ideal For: High-value electronics, semiconductors, and time-sensitive commercial cargo
Main Ports on This Route
🇰🇷 Origin Ports
- Port of Busan
- Port of Incheon
- Port of Gwangyang
🇺🇸 Destination Ports
- Port of Los Angeles
- Port of Long Beach
- Port of Seattle
- Port of New York/New Jersey
Common Cargo on This Lane
Customs & Documentation Requirements
Shipments from South Korea claiming KORUS FTA preferential duty treatment require a Certificate of Origin (or origin certification statement on the commercial invoice) prepared by the exporter or producer. Standard documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, CBP Form 7501. Automobiles require EPA and DOT compliance documentation. Electronics require FCC compliance. Steel products may be subject to Section 232 tariffs despite KORUS FTA — certain Korean steel products are exempt under quota arrangements. ISF required 24 hours before departure.
Current Tariff Information
Under the KORUS FTA (US-Korea Free Trade Agreement, effective March 2012), the vast majority of Korean-origin goods enter the USA duty-free or at significantly reduced rates. Industrial goods (machinery, electronics, chemicals, plastics) are generally 0%. Automobile tariffs have been phased to 0% (after a transition period). Steel and aluminum from South Korea may still be subject to Section 232 tariffs despite KORUS, though Korea has negotiated quota arrangements providing exemptions up to certain volume thresholds. KORUS rules-of-origin requirements must be met — goods must be sufficiently processed in Korea.
Tariff rates are subject to change. The information above is for general guidance only. Contact our customs team for a precise duty calculation for your specific HTS code and shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KORUS FTA and how does it benefit imports from South Korea?
KORUS (Korea–US FTA) has been in force since March 2012. It eliminated tariffs on approximately 95% of US-Korea trade from day one, with remaining tariffs phased out over time. For US importers, this means most Korean goods (electronics, machinery, chemicals, plastics, vehicles) enter the USA duty-free. A KORUS Certificate of Origin or qualifying invoice statement is required to claim preferential treatment.
How long does shipping from South Korea to the USA take?
Ocean freight from South Korea: Busan to Los Angeles takes approximately 18–22 days on direct trans-Pacific services. Busan to New York takes 24–28 days via the trans-Pacific route (through the Panama Canal) or slightly longer via Suez. Air freight from Incheon International Airport to US cities takes 3–6 days — Incheon is one of Asia's busiest air cargo hubs.
Are Korean steel products exempt from Section 232 tariffs?
South Korea has negotiated a quota arrangement with the USA for steel products under Section 232. Korean steel exports within the agreed quota volume are exempt from the 25% Section 232 tariff. Once the quota is filled, additional Korean steel is subject to the 25% tariff. The quota resets annually. Our team monitors quota utilization and advises Korean steel importers on timing and quota status.
What are the main Korean goods shipped to the USA?
South Korea's top exports to the USA include: consumer electronics (Samsung TVs, appliances, smartphones; LG electronics), automobiles and parts (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis), semiconductors and chips, steel and iron products, chemicals and petrochemicals, machinery and equipment, and plastics. South Korea is consistently among the top 10 US trade partners by volume.
Do I need a Certificate of Origin to claim KORUS FTA benefits?
Under KORUS, a formal Certificate of Origin is not mandatory. The importer may make a certification claim based on a written representation by the producer or exporter, or the importer's own knowledge. However, CBP may request supporting documentation during an audit. Best practice is to obtain a KORUS Certificate of Origin from your Korean supplier for every shipment claiming FTA duty-free treatment. Suaid Global advises on KORUS documentation requirements.
What documents are required to import from South Korea?
Required documents: ISF (24 hours before departure), commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, CBP Form 7501, and KORUS origin certification for FTA claims. Automobiles require EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT HS-7. Electronics require FCC compliance. Steel requires Mill Certification if subject to Section 232 quota management.