Analysis
HTS 2615.90.30 covers synthetic tantalum-niobium (columbium) concentrates under heading 2615 (niobium (columbium), tantalum, vanadium or zirconium ores and concentrates).
There is no general-rate duty on this line, which puts it with roughly 97% of the 39 tariff lines in chapter 26 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.
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 30% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 30% duty.
The other lines in the same group are 2615.10.00 (zirconium ores and concentrates, duty-free) and 2615.90.60 (other: other, duty-free).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 21229 (Other Metal Ore Mining), an industry of 58 US establishments employing 3,719 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.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2615.10.00 | Zirconium ores and concentrates | Free |
| 2615.90.60 | Other: other | Free |