Tariff Rate Comparison
Consumer Electronics| Rate Type |  Japanbilateral |  South Koreabilateral |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base RateMost Favored Nation tariff | 1.50% | 1.50% |
| Section 122Emergency surcharge (expires ~Jul 24, 2026) | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Section 232Steel & aluminum tariff | N/A | N/A |
| Section 301China-only additional tariff | N/A | N/A |
| Bilateral DealNegotiated rate replaces S122 | 15.00% | 15.00% |
| Total Effective Rate | 16.50% | 16.50% |
Rate Comparison by Product Category
| Product | Japan | South Korea | Savings ($10K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| consumer electronics | 16.5% | 16.5% | $0 |
| auto parts components | 28.0% | 28.0% | $0 |
| steel iron products | 53.0% | 53.0% | $0 |
| semiconductors chips | 25.0% | 25.0% | $0 |
| industrial machinery | 17.0% | 17.0% | $0 |
Trade Agreement Status
Japan has a bilateral deal with the US at 15% (replaces the standard Section 122 rate). 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
Japan 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 South Korea when its supplier relationships, product specialization, or geographic advantages outweigh the tariff cost differential. Always model total landed cost — including freight, insurance, MPF, and HMF fees — before finalizing sourcing decisions.
Full Landed Cost — $10,000 Shipment
Consumer ElectronicsJapanFull 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 Japan saves $0 in duties compared to South Korea — a 0% reduction in total import costs. Japan incurs $1,741 in duties on the $10,000 shipment, while South Korea incurs $1,741. 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 16.5% from Japan 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.
Japan has a bilateral trade agreement with the US under which a negotiated rate of 15% applies to imports, replacing the standard Section 122 rate. This deal provides more predictable tariff treatment than countries without formal agreements, though its legal durability following the IEEPA ruling remains subject to ongoing policy developments.
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.
Japan is cheaper for auto parts components with a 28% total tariff rate, compared to 28% from South Korea. On a $10,000 shipment, this 0% rate difference saves $0 in duties when sourcing from Japan.
Section 122, enacted in February 2026 for up to 150 days, imposes a global surcharge on most US imports. Japan's bilateral deal rate of 15% replaces the standard Section 122 rate. 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.