U.S. Drops Tariff on Seasoned Gim (조미김), Boosting Korean Seaweed Exports
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
The U.S. has exempted seasoned gim (조미김 — flavored, roasted seaweed sheets) from a 15% reciprocal tariff, cutting the rate to 0% as of October 13. South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries reported the item was listed on a White House tariff fact sheet as a duty-free product, and noted that seasoned gim accounts for over 90% of Korean gim exports to the U.S. Dry gim (dried seaweed) remains subject to the 15% tariff. The ministry will seek further talks with the U.S. to expand duty-free status to dry gim and tuna fillets. Through November, Korea’s global gim exports reached $1.04 billion, up 13.3% year‑on‑year, and exports to the U.S. rose 15.9% to $228 million; the ministry expects annual gim exports to top $1.1 billion. Korean exporters say tariff relief will allow promotions, improve profitability, and boost sales in the U.S.
