Analysis
HTS 2504.10.10 covers crystalline flake (not including flake dust) under heading 2504 (natural graphite).
There is no general-rate duty on this line, which puts it with roughly 91% of the 78 tariff lines in chapter 25 that are also free. Free here means free of the base duty only: origin-specific Chapter 99 duties such as Section 301 can still be owed.
The other lines in the same group are 2504.10.50 (in powder or in flakes: other, duty-free) and 2504.90.00 (natural graphite: other, duty-free).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 327992 (Ground or Treated Mineral and Earth Manufacturing), an industry of 275 US establishments employing 10,279 people, the industry a domestic producer of these goods reports under.
All 2 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.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2504.10.50 | In powder or in flakes: other | Free |
| 2504.90.00 | Natural graphite: other | Free |