Analysis
HTS 7505.12.50 covers of nickel alloys: profiles under heading 7505 (nickel bars, rods, profiles and wire).
The general duty rate is 3% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 75 (77th percentile of 28 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $300 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Neighbouring lines carry rates from 2.5% to 3%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 7505.12.30 (bars and rods: not cold-formed), at 2.5%: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 0.5 percentage points.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 45%, 15.0 times the general rate.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, the Colombia TPA, and 12 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 3%. It is also eligible under GSP, the developing-country programme, which Congress has to renew; check whether GSP is in force on the entry date.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 7505.12.10 | Bars and rods: cold-formed | 3% |
| 7505.12.30 | Bars and rods: not cold-formed | 2.5% |