Effective Duty Rate
0% Section 232 within TRQ quota; USMCA provides base 0%
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Low
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
CBP, Commerce (AD/CVD)
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Steel, Iron & Metal Products from Mexico
Steel imported from Mexico to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — Mexico Origin
Mexico negotiated a TRQ (Tariff Rate Quota) under USMCA that allows steel within quota volumes to enter without Section 232 surcharge. Amounts above quota revert to 25% Section 232. One of the best-positioned countries for steel exports to the US.
APPLICABLE HTS CODES
HTS Codes for Steel Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to steel imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code |
Product Description |
MFN Base Duty Rate |
| 7208–7212 |
Flat-Rolled Steel (hot-rolled, cold-rolled, coated sheet/coil) |
0%–3.5% MFN + 25% Sec. 232 |
| 7213–7229 |
Bars, Rods & Wire (long products) |
0%–3% MFN + 25% Sec. 232 |
| 7301–7307 |
Steel Pipes, Tubes & Fittings |
0%–5.6% MFN + 25% Sec. 232 |
| 7601–7607 |
Aluminum Wrought Products |
2.8%–6.5% MFN + 10% Sec. 232 |
| 7318 |
Steel Fasteners (bolts, screws, nuts) |
0%–6.2% MFN; some AD/CVD |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
DUTY STACK — MEXICO ORIGIN
Total Tariff Cost for Mexico-Origin Steel
| Duty Layer |
Rate / Status |
Applies To |
| MFN Base Rate |
Varies by HTS code |
All Mexico-origin goods (baseline) |
| USMCA Preferential Rate |
Reduced / 0% (qualifying goods) |
Goods meeting USMCA rules of origin |
| Section 301 |
Not applicable |
Mexico-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 |
Exempt under USMCA |
Steel and aluminum imports from Mexico |
COMPLIANCE — CBP / Commerce (AD/CVD)
US Compliance Requirements for Steel Imports
Regardless of origin country, steel imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- Section 232 national security tariffs: 25% on most steel, 10% on aluminum — stacks on MFN base rate
- Antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders active on steel from many countries — check Commerce enforcement database
- Country of origin must reflect where steel was melted and poured — transshipment through third countries heavily scrutinized by CBP
- Mill certificates (chemistry, mechanical properties, heat number) required for most structural steel imports
Compliance Check Tool
Run an automated compliance check for your steel import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs Mexico.
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Steel from Mexico
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Mexico. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
1
Commercial Invoice with HTS code and unit weight
4
Steel Mill Certificate (required for structural applications)
5
Country of Origin Declaration specifying where steel was melted and poured
6
AD/CVD cash deposit confirmation (if product subject to active order)
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Steel from Mexico
15–45 days (ocean freight); 7–14 days (truck from Canada/Mexico)
Supplier Preparation
Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists
Transit Time
3–7 days truck freight from border
CBP Clearance
1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs — Importing Steel from Mexico
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing steel from Mexico?
The effective US tariff rate for steel from Mexico is: 0% Section 232 within TRQ quota; USMCA provides base 0%. Mexico negotiated a TRQ (Tariff Rate Quota) under USMCA that allows steel within quota volumes to enter without Section 232 surcharge. Amounts above quota revert to 25% Section 232. One of the best-positioned countries for steel exports to the US.
What compliance agencies regulate steel imports from Mexico?
Steel imports require compliance with: CBP, Commerce (AD/CVD). Specific requirements include: Section 232 national security tariffs: 25% on most steel, 10% on aluminum — stacks on MFN base rate and Antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders active on steel from many countries — check Commerce enforcement database.
What documents are required to import steel from Mexico?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with HTS code and unit weight; Packing List; Bill of Lading; Steel Mill Certificate (required for structural applications). Additional: Country of Origin Declaration specifying where steel was melted and poured; AD/CVD cash deposit confirmation (if product subject to active order). Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs Mexico.
How long does customs clearance take for steel from Mexico?
Typical timeline: 15–45 days (ocean freight); 7–14 days (truck from Canada/Mexico). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on steel from Mexico?
No Section 301 or Section 232 surcharges apply to Mexico-origin steel. Only base MFN rates (or FTA preferential rates where applicable) apply.
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RELATED IMPORT GUIDES
Also Importing Steel From Other Countries?
Other Products from Mexico?
Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-04-05 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.