How to Import Steel from China to the US
Importing Steel, Iron & Metal Products from China
Importing steel from China into the United States carries very high compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 25% Section 232 + MFN (0%–3.5%) + AD/CVD often 70%–200%+ on specific products. This corridor carries both Section 301 and Section 232 surcharges stacked on top of the base MFN rate, making it one of the highest-cost import corridors for US buyers. AD/CVD orders may apply to specific steel sub-categories — verify against CBP's ADD/CVD portal before importing.
Steel imported from China 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.
China faces the most severe steel import restrictions in the world. Numerous AD/CVD orders with very high cash deposit rates (hot-rolled steel: 265% on some producers, cold-rolled steel: 522% on some producers). Combined with 25% Section 232, the effective total duty on Chinese steel can exceed 200%+ making most Chinese steel economically unviable 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 China
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 | ITA or preferential rate |
| Section 301 Additional Duty (25%) | $12,500.00 | USTR List 3/4A surcharge |
| 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 | $12,735.70 | Effective rate: 25.5% |
| Estimated Landed Cost | $62,735.70 | Cargo + all US duties/fees |
⚠ Section 232 tariffs (25% steel / 10% aluminum) may apply to steel sub-categories with significant steel or aluminum content. Not included above — verify by specific HTS code.
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 China-Origin Steel
| Duty Layer | Rate / Status | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base Rate | Varies by HTS code | All China-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 7.5%–25% additional | Most product categories from China |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) | 25% steel / 10% aluminum | Steel and aluminum imports from China |
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 China.
Run Compliance Check →Documentation Checklist for Steel from China
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs China. 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 China
15–45 days (ocean freight); 7–14 days (truck from Canada/Mexico)
FAQs — Importing Steel from China
Free Tools for Steel Importers
Run these tools before your next shipment from China — 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 China.
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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.