Tariff Rate Comparison
Consumer Electronics| Rate Type |  China |  South KoreaSave 25.0pp vs highestbilateral |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base RateMost Favored Nation tariff | 1.50% | 1.50% |
| Section 122Emergency surcharge (expires ~Jul 24, 2026) | 15.00% | 0.00% |
| Section 232Steel & aluminum tariff | N/A | N/A |
| Section 301China-only additional tariff | 25.00% | N/A |
| Bilateral DealNegotiated rate replaces S122 | N/A | 15.00% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.50% | 16.50% |
Rate Comparison by Product Category
| Product | China | South Korea | Savings ($10K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| consumer electronics | 41.5% | 16.5% | $2,638 |
| semiconductors chips | 75.0% | 25.0% | $5,275 |
| auto parts components | 53.0% | 28.0% | $2,638 |
| steel iron products | 78.0% | 53.0% | $2,638 |
| industrial machinery | 42.0% | 17.0% | $2,638 |
Trade Agreement Status
China has no bilateral agreement with the US and faces the standard Section 122 rate of 15% on most imports. South Korea has a bilateral deal with the US at 15% (replaces the standard Section 122 rate). For products under Section 232 national security tariffs, the bilateral deal or Section 122 rate does not apply — S232 rates govern instead. China-origin goods additionally face Section 301 tariffs that stack on top of all other duties, making trade agreement status a defining factor in the total tariff burden.
When to Source from Each Country
South Korea offers lower tariff rates across all focus product categories in this comparison, making it the more cost-effective sourcing origin from a tariff perspective. Source from China when its supplier ecosystem, lead times, quality standards, or logistics infrastructure outweigh the tariff cost difference. Always model total landed cost — freight, insurance, MPF, and HMF — not just tariff rates, before making final sourcing decisions.
Full Landed Cost — $10,000 Shipment
Consumer ElectronicsChinaFull Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
South KoreaFull Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
Savings Analysis
On a $10,000 shipment of consumer electronics, importing from South Korea saves $2,638 in duties compared to China — a 60.2% reduction in total import costs. South Korea incurs $1,741 in duties on the $10,000 shipment, while China incurs $4,378. This difference compounds across larger order volumes and is a key factor in supplier selection decisions for importers sourcing consumer electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The total effective tariff rate on consumer electronics is 41.5% from China and 16.5% from South Korea under current 2026 tariff policy. These rates include the MFN base rate, applicable Section 122 surcharge or bilateral deal rate, Section 232 duties for covered products, and Section 301 tariffs for Chinese goods. Use the CalcMyTariff.com calculator above to enter your specific invoice value and shipping details for a precise landed cost breakdown.
China does not have a formal trade agreement with the United States. Imports from China are subject to the standard Section 122 global surcharge of 15% on most goods, stacked on top of MFN base rates.
South Korea has a bilateral trade deal with the US at a negotiated rate of 15%, which replaces the Section 122 rate for imports from South Korea. This creates a differentiated tariff structure compared to non-deal countries.
South Korea is cheaper for semiconductors chips with a 25% total tariff rate, compared to 75% from China. On a $10,000 shipment, this 50% rate difference saves $5,000 in duties when sourcing from South Korea.
Section 122, enacted in February 2026 for up to 150 days, imposes a global surcharge on most US imports. China faces Section 122 at 15%. South Korea's bilateral deal rate of 15% replaces Section 122. Note that Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026 — importers should model both current and post-expiry scenarios when planning shipments.