The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) reported that over 3,000 tariff consultation inquiries were received by its 'Tariff Response 119' in two months. As President Donald Trump announced a series of tariff policies, corporations flooded with inquiries related to tariffs.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy stated that a total of 3,022 consultation inquiries were received for 'Tariff Response 119' over two months (Feb. 18 to Apr. 18). In particular, following the announcement of U.S. reciprocal tariffs and postponement measures earlier this month, there were more than 200 inquiries a day.
'Tariff Response 119' is part of the 'Comprehensive Emergency Export Measures' announced by the government on Feb. 18. Export specialists with over 30 years of experience in trade with the U.S. provide guidance on tariff eligibility and rates.
According to the inquiries received through 'Tariff Response 119', tariff-related questions accounted for the highest portion at 68%. As uncertainty grew due to the new U.S. government's tariff policy, corporations mainly inquired whether their products were subject to itemized or reciprocal tariffs and what the applicable tariff rates would be. Additionally, inquiries included ▲ entering alternative markets (7%) ▲ relocation of production bases (4%) ▲ certification, standards, and other inquiries (21%).
'Tariff Response 119' also guides corporations on an 'Online Tariff Confirmation System' where they can check U.S. tariff rates directly online. If necessary, in-depth consultations are supported in conjunction with overseas trade offices, and related support projects such as 'Tariff Response Vouchers' are provided.
KOTRA has held over 30 'Tariff Response Briefings' since March, directly visiting major regions to help corporations facing information accessibility issues. So far, more than 3,000 people have attended, with one-on-one consultations also conducted.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA plan to hold tariff response briefings in May in local areas such as Vietnam, where many of our exporting corporations are located. They also plan to hold a weekly 'Emergency Trade Environment Response Briefing' to actively support the resolution of corporations' information challenges.
The government plans to actively link corporations consulting through 'Tariff Response 119' with the 'Tariff Response Voucher' program while creating a 'Tariff Support Business Menu' that encompasses tariff response support projects from related agencies, such as the Korean Intellectual Property Office and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, to assist tariff-challenged corporations.