2208.90.20

Analysis

HTS 2208.90.20 covers valued not over $2.38/liter under heading 2208 (undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80 percent…).

The normal trade relations rate here is zero, shared by about 87% of the 39 tariff lines in chapter 22, a useful check when a neighbouring dutiable line is a candidate. Chapter 99 measures such as Section 301 or 232 can still apply on top, depending on where the goods come from.

Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 312130 (Wineries), an industry of 4,560 US establishments employing 65,478 people. That concordance is how imports of this line are compared with US output.

All 17 neighbouring lines carry the same duty-free rate, so a borderline choice between them changes the statistics reported, not the duty paid.

The general rate of Free has not changed in any edition of the schedule since Jan 2023.