Upcoming Tariff Changes That May Affect Your K-Beauty Business

The U.S. government recently announced major changes in its trade policies—specifically in tariffs on Korean imports and the de minimis threshold for duty-free clearance. If you're importing K-beauty products and selling in the U.S., here’s what you need to know and how it might affect your business.

1. New 15% Tariff on Korean Imports

Starting August 7, 2025, the U.S. will impose a 15% tariff on imports from South Korea, following the bilateral agreement finalized on July 30. This is lower than the previously proposed 25%, but it will still add a notable cost burden for K-beauty sellers. If you import large volumes or mixed shipments, the price adjustment may be significant. It’s important to factor this into your pricing and negotiate with buyers or logistics partners to avoid margin losses.

2. Elimination of the De Minimis Exemption

On August 29, 2025, the de minimis exemption — which previously allowed shipments valued under $800 to enter duty-free — will be eliminated for all countries. From that date, every shipment, regardless of value, will require full customs clearance and duties. This means even small trial orders or sample shipments will face additional costs and paperwork.

3. What This Means for K-Beauty Sellers

The combined impact of these two changes may alter your sourcing strategy. While high-volume orders were already subject to tariffs, small and frequent orders — often used for testing new products or maintaining low inventory — will now carry extra costs. Sellers relying on quick, low-value replenishments may see higher per-unit costs and longer lead times due to stricter customs procedures.

Industry Perspectives

　─ “This will have a significant impact.”

Many trade analysts believe that the new tariff rate and the elimination of the de minimis exemption will pose serious challenges for small and mid-sized K-beauty sellers. These businesses often rely on low-value or sample-size shipments for testing new products or maintaining lean inventory. The added customs costs and documentation requirements may reduce the frequency and flexibility of cross-border shipments — especially for sellers that depend on air courier options.

Some experts also caution that the removal of expedited customs clearance for shipments under $800 could disrupt initial market entry strategies. Sellers launching new or lesser-known brands may find it harder to experiment and iterate with U.S. buyers, leading to longer lead times and slower product turnover.

💡 If you’re operating with small MOQs or trial-phase brands, now may be the time to consolidate orders or consider B2B platforms like SEOUL4PM that support full customs documentation and freight planning. This can help reduce per-unit costs and improve clearance reliability.

　─ “The long-term impact may be limited.”

Some industry experts believe that U.S. buyers still prioritize product reliability, ingredient quality, and brand trust over minor price fluctuations. For established K-beauty brands with strong customer loyalty and clear identity, the overall impact may be manageable—even with rising costs.

Additionally, within the K-beauty industry, there’s a shared sentiment that “raising prices should be considered only as a last resort.” Many sellers recognize that indiscriminate price hikes could damage brand perception. Instead, the current strategy leans toward minimizing impact through supply chain adjustments, tighter margin control, and smarter logistics planning.

What You Can Expect from SEOUL4PM

SEOUL4PM is committed to supporting sellers in smoothly preparing and managing the necessary export and import documentation—even under the U.S.’s newly tightened import regulations.

We also understand that U.S. customs and tariff policies are subject to change, often without prior notice, depending on political leadership and trade direction. The newly announced policies may still be amended, delayed, or partially reversed. That’s why we’re closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with relevant authorities and logistics partners.

By providing early updates on tariff-related issues, sharing projected cost changes, and assisting with documentation, SEOUL4PM helps you respond more confidently and sustainably.

If you’re planning your next order or considering adjustments to your sales strategy, feel free to contact our team anytime. We’re here to help your K-beauty business stay resilient in a rapidly evolving trade landscape.