The US exempts processed seaweed from South Korea from tariffs, while dried seaweed remains subject to a 15% tariff.

On December 14, the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) announced that seasoned seaweed was the only seafood product exempt from tariffs in the reciprocal tariff information released by the US White House last month. However, dried seaweed will still be subject to a 15% reciprocal tariff, the same as other seafood products.

A source from the MOF stated: “The detailed information includes that natural resources not produced in the U.S. will be further considered for exemption. Processed seaweed has been included in the list of exempted goods.”

According to the Ministry of Finance (MOF), a 0% tariff rate on dried seaweed has been in effect since November 13th, based on the customs clearance date. Seaweed is reportedly South Korea's only top-selling food export item exempt from tariffs in the U.S.

Despite the Trump administration imposing retaliatory tariffs this year, seaweed exports to the U.S. reached 340 billion South Korean won (approximately $228 million) as of last month, a 15.9% increase year-on-year.

Processed seaweed accounts for over 90% of seaweed exports to the U.S. That's why analysts predict that the tariff exemption for processed seaweed will positively impact seaweed export growth. The U.S. market accounts for over 20% of South Korea's seaweed exports.

Source: VTV

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