The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) entered into force on March 15, 2012. As written, it is the United States’ strongest, most up-to-date free trade agreement. It is expanding opportunities, creating American jobs, and paving the way for substantial Korean investment in the U.S. KORUS remains one of America’s only free trade agreements in the increasingly competitive Asia-Pacific region and serves as the economic foundation for relations with one of our most important strategic allies and 6th largest trading partner.
The KORUS agreement is working. The U.S. will hit record levels of exports to Korea in 2017 and the trade deficit is decreasing.
“KORUS has been an economic boon to both countries.”
– The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board
“KORUS has been broadly beneficial since it came into effect. Trade between the two countries has expanded significantly, IP protections have been bolstered… and a crucial strategic alliance has been strengthened.”
– The Editors, Bloomberg View
“KORUS remains a key cornerstone of U.S. economic and strategic engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.”
– Leadership of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees
“Scrapping KORUS and starting over would put progress at risk, and it would put U.S. exports at a disadvantage.”
– Myron Brilliant, Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
“It’s difficult to imagine a move that would bring more self-harm to our economy and national security, than withdrawing from KORUS.”
– Tom Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
KORUS is a key part of the United States’ economic and national security strategies in Asia:
> Supports $120 billion in annual trade with South Korea
> Provides over 400,000 American jobs
> Acts as a facilitator of Korean investment into local U.S. communities
KORUS is a soft-power tool that the United States can draw on as we try to navigate complex security dynamics in Asia. Whether we are trying to influence unfair trade practices in the region, or empowering a key ally, KORUS is part of the solution.
KORUS is helping America. Let’s keep it that way.
Sources: The Trade Partnership, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Recent Activity
Enhancing the U.S.-Korea Partnership
As part of our KONNECTUS initiative the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Korea International Trade Association cordially invite you to join a discussion of the bilateral trade and investment relationship, including the recently proposed modifications to the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS).
KORUS Implementation Matters to the Future of Health Care Innovation in Korea
It would promote increased exports of U.S. health care innovations to Korea, supporting jobs here.
Reminder From Davos: Trade Moves on Without Us
If America is not leading on trade, it is falling behind.
U.S. Leadership Needed in the Asia-Pacific
As the U.S. stands still other nations will continue moving ahead at the expense of our exporters and their workers.
Joint Statement: U.S.-Korea Business Council and Korea-U.S. Business Council
On October 11, 2017 the U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-Korea Business Council and the Korea-U.S. Business Council issued a joint statement following the annual joint plenary meeting of the two councils. The joint statement reaffirms their commitment to KORUS and continued economic cooperation between the two nations.
