Washington Benefits

• Overview
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With the implementation of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), there are exciting new opportunities for Washington. Businesses, cities and communities across the state are capitalizing on these expanded opportunities created by the reduction of tariffs, elimination of trade barriers, and the free flow of products, services and ideas between Washington and Korea.

Click on the tabs above to learn more about Washington’s trade with Korea.

 

Interesting Facts About Washington's Trade with Korea

• In 2011, more than 32% of Washington’s total exports to Korea was corn ($1.04 billion).
• From 2008 to 2011, Washington increased its exports of motor vehicles to Korea by almost five times, going from $5.7 million to $27.7 million.
• Home to the Starbucks Corporation, the largest coffee chain in the world, Washington exported almost $8.1 million in coffee to Korea in 2011.
• With more than 155 miles of ocean coastline, Washington exported almost $10.5 million in fish and crustaceans to Korea in 2011.
• Although best known in the United States for its apples, Washington exported more fresh cherries to Korea in 2011 than any other fruit ($18.7 million).

 

Connections Beyond Trade

• In 2010, it was estimated that there were more than 62,374 Koreans and Korean Americans living in Washington.
• There were approximately 2,404 students from Korea studying at universities in Washington in 2011.
• Federal Way, home to one of the largest Korean American communities in the Pacific Northwest, maintains close ties with its Korean sister city – Donghae City – in the province of Gangwon.
• The Center for Korea Studies at the University of Washington, which fosters teaching, research, and outreach related to Korea, is one of the oldest programs of its kind in the United States.
• The annual Han Woo-Ri festival, held each fall in Federal Way, celebrates Korean culture with performing arts, exhibits, games and food. (Photo courtesy of the City of Federal Way)