Guide for Japanese and Korean shops · checked 22 October 2026
US import duty for Japanese and Korean Etsy sellers
Every parcel you send to a US buyer now pays US duty, whatever its value, and Etsy makes you prepay it. Japan and South Korea have their own rule, different from the UK, Canada or China. Here's what you pay and how to price it.
Want the answer for your own case? Use the tool, then read on for the details.
Work out my US prices freeThe rule: 12.5% in total, or the normal rate if higher
Since 24 July 2026, goods made in Japan or South Korea pay a Section 301 tariff that tops the total US duty up to 12.5%. If the product's normal US rate is already 12.5% or more, nothing extra is added. It's a floor, not "normal rate plus 12.5%" as for Australian or Chinese goods.
| Item | Normal rate | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Art prints, cards, stickers, books | 0% | 12.5% |
| Candles, soap, skincare | 0% | 12.5% |
| Sterling silver jewellery | 5% | 12.5% |
| Wooden items and kitchenware | 3.2% | 12.5% |
| Ceramic mugs and plates | 9.8% | 12.5% |
| Cotton T-shirts | 16.5% | 16.5% |
Starting estimates from the US tariff schedule. Confirm your exact code at hts.usitc.gov. Steel, aluminium and copper items are covered by separate Section 232 tariffs instead. The rate follows where the item was made, not where you ship from.
Worked examples (Japanese shop)
These assume Etsy's 6.5% transaction fee and about 3% payment processing, before any duty-handling charge on your label. Check the processing rate for your shop's country on Etsy's fees page.
| Listing | Home price | Lost per US sale if unchanged | New US price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic cup (12.5%) | ¥4,000 | ¥500 | ¥4,642 |
| Silver ring (12.5%) | ¥8,000 | ¥1,000 | ¥9,283 |
| Cotton T-shirt (16.5%) | ¥5,000 | ¥825 | ¥6,115 |
| Art print (12.5%) | ¥2,000 | ¥250 | ¥2,321 |
The new price is more than "price plus duty" because duty and Etsy's fees are both charged on the higher US price.
How to set US prices
- Find each product's tariff code and normal rate (the free checker suggests one from your listing text).
- Choose Japan or South Korea as where your goods are made; the checker applies the 12.5% floor for you.
- Add what your label or courier charges for prepaying duty, if anything. It's per parcel, so bundles cost less per item.
- Set the result as the US price for each listing and variation. How US-specific pricing works on Etsy.
Common questions
Can my US buyer pay the duty on delivery? Not on Etsy. Since 9 July 2026 non-US shops must prepay it with a DDP label. DDP labels explained.
Is there still a duty-free limit for small parcels? No. US duty-free entry under $800 ended for every country on 29 August 2025.
Why is it different from the EU? The EU and Taiwan have the same kind of floor, but at 10%. EU sellers' guide.
Selling from somewhere else? Read the UK, EU, Indian, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand guide, or the Southeast Asia and Taiwan guide.
Sources: Greenberg Traurig, USTR imposes new Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 economies (Japan, South Korea and Switzerland: higher of 12.5% or MFN; effective 24 July 2026; Section 232 goods excluded); Adnkronos, 24 July 2026. Read 22 October 2026.