South Korea is Safe Haven for Tariff-Free Imports

Feb. 18, 2020

Despite South Korea’s tariff-free status, automakers aren’t flocking there due to the country’s tough labor unions that are known for striking, as well as benefits of avoiding tariffs not outweighing the associated costs of moving there.

Feb. 18, 2020—A safe haven for automakers to import vehicles to the U.S. tariff-free is South Korea, reported The Detroit Free Press.

South Korean-made vehicles are forecast to account for about 5.5 percent, or 923,000, of U.S. vehicle sales this year.

General Motors is the only U.S.-based automaker that imports South Korean-made vehicles to the United States. The company accounted for roughly 1 in every 4 vehicles coming from South Korea last year.

Despite South Korea’s tariff-free status, automakers aren’t flocking there due to the country’s tough labor unions that are known for striking, as well as benefits of avoiding tariffs not outweighing the associated costs of moving there.

Sponsored Recommendations

Valvoline Partner Solutions

We arm you with products that build trust, tools that unlock productivity, and training that drives business performance, so you feel confident in where your...

Grow the business you know

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Solutions that drive results

Connect with Valvoline experts to increase operational efficiency and customer loyalty – from Valvoline-funded promotions to hands-on training, we’re here to...

Free Resources for Shops Like Yours

View insights, research and solutions curated specifically for shops like yours.