Analysis
HTS 7218.10.00 covers ingots and other primary forms under heading 7218 (stainless steel in ingots or other primary forms; semi-finished products of stainless…).
The normal trade relations rate here is zero, shared by about 92% of the 262 tariff lines in chapter 72, 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.
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 29% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 29% duty.
The other lines in the same group are 7218.91.00 (of rectangular (other than square) cross-section, duty-free) and 7218.99.00 (other: other, duty-free).
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 331110 (Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing), an industry of 359 US establishments employing 78,532 people. That concordance is how imports of this line are compared with US output.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 7218.91.00 | Of rectangular (other than square) cross-section | Free |
| 7218.99.00 | Other: other | Free |