How to Import Steel from Canada to the US
Importing Steel, Iron & Metal Products from Canada
Importing steel from Canada into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0% Section 232 under USMCA; no quota limit. The USMCA agreement provides significant tariff advantages — qualifying goods may enter at preferential or zero-duty rates, making this a cost-efficient import corridor.
Steel imported from Canada to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
Canada received full Section 232 exemption through USMCA with no quota cap. Canadian steel is fully integrated with US steel supply chains. Zero Section 232 makes Canadian steel the lowest-duty steel source for US buyers.
Get an Exact Duty Estimate
Enter your product value and origin country to get the exact duty stack including MFN, Section 301, Section 232, and applicable FTA rates.
Estimated Landed Cost: Steel from Canada
Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.
| Cost Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Value (CIF) | $50,000.00 | Reference shipment value |
| MFN Base Duty (0.0%) | $0.00 | USMCA preferential / ITA zero-rate |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%) | $173.20 | Min $31.67 / max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) | $62.50 | Ocean freight only |
| Total Duties & Fees | $235.70 | Effective rate: 0.5% |
| Estimated Landed Cost | $50,235.70 | Cargo + all US duties/fees |
✓ USMCA preferential rates reduce base duty to 0% for qualifying goods. MPF and HMF still apply on all entries.
Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.
HTS Codes for Steel Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to steel imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code | Product Description | MFN Base Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 7208–7212 | Flat-Rolled Steel (hot-rolled, cold-rolled, coated sheet/coil) | 0%–3.5% MFN + 25% Sec. 232 |
| 7213–7229 | Bars, Rods & Wire (long products) | 0%–3% MFN + 25% Sec. 232 |
| 7301–7307 | Steel Pipes, Tubes & Fittings | 0%–5.6% MFN + 25% Sec. 232 |
| 7601–7607 | Aluminum Wrought Products | 2.8%–6.5% MFN + 10% Sec. 232 |
| 7318 | Steel Fasteners (bolts, screws, nuts) | 0%–6.2% MFN; some AD/CVD |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
Total Tariff Cost for Canada-Origin Steel
| Duty Layer | Rate / Status | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base Rate | Varies by HTS code | All Canada-origin goods (baseline) |
| USMCA Preferential Rate | Reduced / 0% (qualifying goods) | Goods meeting USMCA rules of origin |
| Section 301 | Not applicable | Canada-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 | Exempt under USMCA | Steel and aluminum imports from Canada |
Get Your Exact Total Duty Rate
Our calculator handles all duty layers — MFN + Section 301 + Section 232 + FTA rates — for any HTS code from any origin country.
US Compliance Requirements for Steel Imports
Regardless of origin country, steel imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- Section 232 national security tariffs: 25% on most steel, 10% on aluminum — stacks on MFN base rate
- Antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders active on steel from many countries — check Commerce enforcement database
- Country of origin must reflect where steel was melted and poured — transshipment through third countries heavily scrutinized by CBP
- Mill certificates (chemistry, mechanical properties, heat number) required for most structural steel imports
Run an automated compliance check for your steel import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs Canada.
Run Compliance Check →Documentation Checklist for Steel from Canada
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Canada. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
Generate Your Document Checklist
Get a customized document checklist based on your specific HTS code, origin country, and product category.
Import Timeline — Steel from Canada
15–45 days (ocean freight); 7–14 days (truck from Canada/Mexico)
FAQs — Importing Steel from Canada
Free Tools for Steel Importers
Run these tools before your next shipment from Canada — all free, no account required.
Ready to Calculate Your Exact Import Costs?
Get precise duty calculations, landed cost estimates, and compliance flags for your steel shipment from Canada.
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Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-05-16 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.