The US Federal Customs Office has uniquely granted zero tariff status to seasoned seaweed (gim), which has seen a massive jump in demand recently. It's the only Korean food product to get this treatment. Other items like Buldak Ramen, Shin Ramyun, Mandu (dumplings), etc., still got hit by the tariff beam.
Some say this is because US media (Instagram, Netflix, YouTube, etc.) has influenced Americans, who previously just ate gim like a snack, to start wrapping it with rice. As imports of Korean seasoned gim went up, so did the demand for rice. Farmers in the US South and Midwest who were previously tearing their hair out over rice stockpiles are now benefiting. It's rumored that the Trump administration, which has close ties to rural approval ratings, might be connected to this decision. Also, for some unknown reason, imports of Korean spicy canned tuna (Gochujamchi) have apparently skyrocketed too.
"The US loves Korean food, thanks to Cardi B and influencers making gochujamchi and gim the new must-try combo. We're happy for the farmers, but worried about keeping our own gim supply stocked!"
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