South Korea finds 'Made in Korea' breaches intended to bypass U.S. tariffs
CNBCAPR 19
SKorea Uncovers $20.8M in Origin Fraud From Mostly US-Bound PRC Goods
Above: A CMA CGM SA vehicle carrier cargo ship docked at the port of Ulsan at dusk in Ulsan, South Korea, on March 30, 2025. Image copyright: SeongJoon Cho/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The sharp rise in tariff evasion — driven by falsely labeling Chinese goods as Korean-made to bypass U.S. trade rules — poses a threat to global trade integrity and national security. This surge undermines legitimate Korean manufacturers and demands swift, coordinated action.
Narrative B
New U.S. tariffs are shaking South Korea’s export economy, disrupting key industries like autos, electronics, and petrochemicals. These measures risk straining U.S.-Korea trade ties, raising consumer prices, and forcing Korean firms to rethink supply chains and market strategies.