Table 1. Comparison of tariff elimination schedules for key dairy products (focus on milk powder & cheese) under major FTAs

Country / FTA	Year of entry into force	Target products	Initial tariff rate (%)	Tariff-reduction method	Year tariff reaches 0%	Notes
Korea–US FTA (KORUS)	2012	Milk powder, some cheese	2.4–36	10–15-year staged reduction	January 1, 2026	Complete tariff elimination on milk powder in 2026
Korea–EU FTA	2011	UHT milk, cheese	20–36	10–15-year phased reduction	January 1, 2026	Increase in UHT milk imports expected; mozzarella tariff eliminated after 2031
Korea–Australia FTA (KAFTA)	2014	Cheddar, processed cheese, butter	36	10–20-year staged reduction	Cheddar & processed cheese by 2026; butter by 2028–2031	-
Korea–New Zealand FTA	2015	Cheese, butter, powders	20–40	Product-specific tariff schedules	Key cheese items by 2026–2028	SMP & butter have a longer phase-out period

FTAs, free trade agreements; UHT, ultra high temperature; SMP, skim milk powder.