U.S. slashes tariffs on Korean car exports to 15% with retroactive effect

A major win for Korean automakers as tariffs drop—and it’s already saving them millions. Here’s how the retroactive cut changes the game.

, and Administrator

2025 December 4 . 1:12 PM

1 min read

In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text... — In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text above it.

U.S. slashes tariffs on Korean car exports to 15% with retroactive effect

The U.S. has cut tariffs on Korean car exports to 15 percent, with the change backdated to early November. A special bill was submitted to Korea’s National Assembly to formalise the adjustment. The final details of the reduced rate will be published later this week.

The reduction in tariffs was proposed through a bill submitted to the Korean National Assembly on 26 November. This move ensures that the lower rate applies to all car and parts imported from Korea since 12:01 a.m. on 1 November.

With the retroactive cut now in effect, Korean car and parts manufacturers will benefit from lower costs on shipments made since early November. The official publication of the new rate will confirm the details for importers and exporters.