Calculate Your Landed Cost
Adjust values for Medical Devices from South Korea
How Tariffs Stack
Each layer adds to the total cost — amounts based on customs value
Full Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
How the Tariff Rate is Calculated
The tariff structure for medical devices follows the US stacking formula: the MFN base rate of 1.5%, plus bilateral deal rate of 15%. The special tariff layer (the highest of Section 122, Section 232, or bilateral rates) is 15%, which combines with the MFN base to produce a subtotal before Section 301 duties. Adding all layers yields a total tariff rate of 16.5%. On a customs value of $10,600.00, this translates to total duties of $1,749.00, plus the Merchandise Processing Fee of $36.72 and Harbor Maintenance Fee of $13.25. The total landed cost including all fees reaches $12,398.97.
Trade Context
The United States imported $115B in goods from South Korea in 2024, making it a significant trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Key import categories from South Korea include consumer electronics, passenger vehicles, steel iron products, reflecting the country's industrial and agricultural strengths. Medical Devices represents an important segment of this trade relationship, with demand driven by both price competitiveness and product availability in the US market. The bilateral trade volume underscores the economic significance of tariff policy decisions affecting imports from South Korea.
What Happens When Section 122 Expires?
Section 122 does not directly affect imports of medical devices from South Korea because the bilateral trade agreement rate of 15% replaces the standard Section 122 surcharge. If Section 122 expires on July 24, 2026, the bilateral deal terms may be renegotiated. Importers should monitor developments in the bilateral relationship and any potential changes to the negotiated rate structure.
Alternative Sourcing Countries for Medical Devices
Importers looking for lower tariff costs on medical devices may consider sourcing from Japan (effective rate 15%, saving approximately 1.5 percentage points); Taiwan (effective rate 15%, saving approximately 1.5 percentage points); Vietnam (effective rate 18%). Compared to South Korea's total effective rate of 16.5%, these alternatives offer potential cost savings depending on the specific product classification and applicable trade agreements. Each alternative carries its own tariff structure, so importers should calculate the full landed cost before switching suppliers.
Tariff Timeline for South Korea
Section 232 steel/aluminum raised to 50%
Section 122 uniform 15% surcharge enacted
South Korea bilateral deal at 15% takes effect (de facto)
Frequently Asked Questions
The current total tariff rate on Medical Devices from South Korea is 16.5%. This is composed of the following layers: MFN base rate: 1.5%; Bilateral deal rate: 15%. The effective tariff rate after all layers is 16.5%.
For a $10,000 shipment of Medical Devices from South Korea, you can expect to pay approximately $1,650.00 in total duties at the current rate of 16.5%. Additional fees include the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and, for ocean shipments, the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). The total landed cost for a $10,000 order would be approximately $11,650.00, representing an effective cost increase of 16.5% over the FOB price. Use our tariff calculator for precise calculations based on your specific shipment value and shipping method.
The standard Section 122 surcharge has been replaced by a bilateral deal rate of 15% for South Korea. This bilateral agreement, effective since 2026-03-01, supersedes the general Section 122 rate. The bilateral rate applies instead of (not in addition to) the Section 122 surcharge.
Section 122 does not currently apply to Medical Devices from South Korea, so its expiration on July 24, 2026 would not directly change the tariff cost. The current tariff rate of 16.5% would remain based on other applicable tariff layers. However, broader trade policy changes surrounding the Section 122 expiration could affect overall tariff structures.
For Medical Devices, alternative sourcing countries to consider instead of South Korea include Japan (effective rate: 15%), Taiwan (effective rate: 15%), Vietnam (effective rate: 18%). Compared to South Korea's total effective rate of 16.5%, these alternatives may offer lower landed costs depending on the specific HTS classification. Use our country comparison tool to see a detailed side-by-side analysis of tariff costs.