Fueled by surging semiconductor exports, Taiwan leapfrogged South Korea to claim fourth place among U.S. import sources in 2025 with $176.7 billion (5.6% share), up four spots, reports from Chosun Biz, a Chosun Ilbo affiliate, and Yonhap News Agency said.

The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) cited U.S. Department of Commerce data on Wednesday showing U.S. imports from South Korea totaled US$113.4 billion from January to November 2025, down 5.9% from the prior year. South Korea accounted for 3.6% of total U.S. imports, ranking ninth among the top 10 sources – a drop of two spots and the lowest share since tracking began by KITA in 1988. In 2024, before the Trump administration took office, it ranked seventh at 4%.

Mexico led U.S. imports at US$492.5 billion (15.7%), Canada at US$351.2 billion (11.2%), and China at US$287.3 billion (9.2%). Taiwan edged out Vietnam (US$175.3 billion) for fourth place, followed by Germany (US$140.8 billion), Japan (US$133.8 billion), and Ireland (US$129.7 billion).

South Korea’s slide stemmed from high tariffs on autos and steel; Japan, with heavy auto exports, fell from fifth to seventh. Taiwan’s semiconductor surge highlights its edge amid U.S. trade shifts.