The Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) is Canada’s first bilateral free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region and entered into force January 1, 2015. The CKFTA eliminates and reduces tariffs on Canadian exports to South Korea, including agri-food and seafood products. It also creates significant advantages for our businesses in South Korea’s fast growing and highly connected economy.
What the CKFTA means for our industry
The CKFTA gives Canadian agri-food and seafood businesses an advantage over competitors by providing preferential tariff treatment on our exports. To date, Canadian agri-food and seafood trade with South Korea has increased by over 44% since the implementation of the CKFTA.
The CKFTA has reduced or eliminated tariffs across a range of Canadian exports since 2015, and will continue to do so on January 1st of each year until its full implementation in 2032. It is projected to boost Canada’s Gross Domestic Product by $1.7 billion and increase Canada’s overall exports to South Korea by over 30% when fully implemented.
Impacts on Canadian agriculture and agri-food
By January 1, 2029, 99% of Canadian agriculture and agri-food exports will be eligible to enter South Korea duty-free.
Before implementation in 2015, South Korea’s average applied tariff rate was 52.7%.
Impacts on Canadian fish and seafood
By January 1, 2026, 100% of Canadian fish and seafood exports will be eligible to enter South Korea duty-free.
Before implementation in 2015, South Korea’s average tariff rate was 16.5%.
Get a snapshot of how the CKFTA reduces and eliminates the tariffs for Canadian exports to South Korea:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Animal Feed
- Beef
- Fish and Seafood
- Grains
- Oilseeds
- Pork
- Processed Food Products
- Pulses
More information about the impact of the CKFTA:
- CKFTA: Benefits and Opportunities for the Canadian Agricultural and Agri-food Sector
- CKFTA: Benefits and Opportunities for the Canadian Fish and Seafood Sector
Tools to help you get export-ready
Government of Canada CKFTA portal
Global Affairs Canada provides additional information on the agreement and its benefits for Canadians.
Canada Tariff Finder
Explore tariff information for the South Korean market under the CKFTA and other foreign markets that Canada has a free trade agreement with.
Seoul Food & Hotel tradeshow
Learn about Seoul Food & Hotel, the largest international food and hospitality show in South Korea.
Agri-Food Trade Services for Exporters
Find services to help you achieve your international business goals and export to global markets.
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) in South Korea
Reach in-market expertise that can bridge the gap between your products and South Korea.
Agriculture and food market intelligence – South Korea
Reports and trends on opportunities in South Korea for Canadian agri-food and seafood producers.
Videos on agri-food trade with South Korea
Watch videos about CKFTA and opportunities for agri-food and seafood exporters in South Korea.
Market Opportunity – CKFTA 
Market Opportunity – South Korea Do you have questions about CKFTA or the South Korean market?
Contact AAFC’s Market Access Secretariat at aafc.mas-sam.aac@agr.gc.ca for answers to your CKFTA and South Korea related questions.