Manufacturing Inroads into Korea's Market

Korea's average tariff rate on non-agricultural U.S. goods is 7 percent. The U.S.-Korea FTA will remove these tariffs and open Korea - a country that imported more than $300 billion in goods globally last year - almost completely to U.S. manufactures.

U.S. manufactured goods that will enter 100% duty free under the U.S.-Korea FTA

Immediately: In 5 Years, All:
Agricultural Equipment Auto Parts
Construction Equipment Building Products
Furniture Consumer Goods
Toys Metals & Ores
Footwear & Leather Products
Paper & Paper Products


In 3 Years, All: In 10 Years, All:
Aircraft Equipment Chemicals
Scientific Equipment Electrical & Electronic
Shipping and Transportation Equipment
Environmental Goods
Infrastructure & Machinery
Medical Equipment

Korea imported $32 billion in U.S. goods in 2006. However, U.S. manufacturers' share and presence in the Korean market has declined 7 percent since 2001 as competition from other countries has grown. The U.S.-Korea FTA can change this trend. The elimination of Korean tariffs on U.S. manufactured goods will give U.S. manufacturers a sizeable advantage over competitors in the Korean market.

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FTA with Korea: A Cutting Edge Trade Deal for the 21st Century

Korea is one of the world's most wired countries, and Korea's consumers among the most tech-savvy. Demand in Korea for high-tech goods and services is immense and helps drive the Korean economy. The U.S.-Korea FTA opens the door wider for U.S. companies to compete and profit in this one-of-a kind market.

The U.S.-Korea FTA removes Korea's 8% average tariff on U.S. high-tech goods.

Under the FTA, all digital goods imported electronically or physically enter duty-free.

Strong provisions protect U.S. copyrights, patents and trademarks from IPR infringement.



U.S.-Korea Tech Trade Facts

- U.S. tech companies exported $10.6 Billion in goods to Korea in 2006, making it the fourth-largest market outside of North America for U.S. tech exporters.
- 18 U.S. States exported more than $10 million in tech goods to Korea last year.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, $1 billion in U.S. tech exports directly supports 3,000 U.S. jobs.


U.S. companies face stiff competition from domestic and foreign companies in Korea's tech market. The FTA gives U.S. firms access, advantage and opportunity in Korea's most innovative and dynamic sector.