Importing steel from China to United States
The United States applies Section 232 tariffs to steel and maintains a large body of antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders against Chinese steel products. The dominant risk is therefore as much customs and duty exposure as it is quality fraud.
Transshipment and origin fraud — routing Chinese steel through a third country to disguise its origin — is a serious enforcement target. Buyers must insist on accurate origin and classification, because liability for evaded duties can fall on the importer of record.
Required certification
- Regulator
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) / ASTM standards
- Scheme
- ASTM standards + Section 232 + AD/CVD orders
Steel products are specified to ASTM standards and are subject to Section 232 tariffs and product-specific AD/CVD orders. Correct HTS classification and verifiable country of origin are essential; transshipment to disguise Chinese origin is unlawful.
Customs & clearance
- Identify Section 232 and AD/CVD exposure for your specific product.
- Insist on accurate, verifiable country of origin — beware transshipment offers.
- Use a customs broker and confirm correct HTS classification.
Main entry ports: Los Angeles / Long Beach · Houston · New York / New Jersey · Savannah
Top fraud risks on this lane
Pre-payment checklist for United States
- 1Confirm Section 232 / AD/CVD exposure and correct HTS classification.
- 2Insist on accurate country of origin; reject transshipment schemes.
- 3Verify mill certificates and ASTM grade compliance.
- 4Engage a customs broker experienced in steel duties.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import Chinese steel into the US?
Yes, but it faces Section 232 tariffs and many product-specific antidumping and countervailing duty orders. Identify your product's duty exposure and classification before ordering, and budget for the duties rather than seeking to evade them.
What is transshipment fraud and why is it dangerous?
It is routing Chinese steel through a third country with falsified origin documents to dodge tariffs or AD/CVD duties. It is unlawful, an enforcement priority, and liability for evaded duties can fall on you as the importer of record — so reject any such offer.
Score this supplier before you pay
Run the free verification checklist tailored to high-risk steel orders.