Free tool
Steel import landed cost calculator
Turn an FOB quote into a true landed cost per tonne with freight, insurance, import duty, and VAT — so you can compare Chinese steel suppliers on a like-for-like basis.
Landed cost calculator
- Goods value (FOB)
- $16,250.00
- Sea freight
- $1,800.00
- Insurance (0.5%)
- $90.25
- CIF value
- $18,140.25
- Import duty (5%)
- $907.01
- VAT / GST (15%)
- $2,857.09
- Customs / clearance / haulage
- $500.00
Total landed cost
$22,404.35
Landed cost per tonne
$896.17
Estimate only. Duty and VAT rates vary by HS code, country, and trade agreements, and anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel can add 10–90% in some markets. Confirm the exact rate with your customs broker before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What is landed cost for imported steel?
Landed cost is the total cost of getting steel to your door: the goods value (FOB), plus sea freight, insurance, import duty, VAT or GST, and customs clearance and haulage. Comparing suppliers on landed cost per tonne — not the headline FOB price — is the only fair way to compare quotes.
How is import duty on steel calculated?
Duty is usually charged as a percentage of the CIF value (goods + freight + insurance). The rate depends on the HS code and destination country, and many countries add anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel that can range from around 10% to over 90% on specific products. Always confirm the exact rate with a customs broker.
Is VAT charged on top of duty?
In most countries VAT or GST is calculated on the CIF value plus the duty, so it compounds on top of duty. This calculator applies VAT to the duty-inclusive value to reflect that.
Does a low FOB price mean a cheaper order?
Not necessarily. A low FOB price can hide high freight, unfavourable duty, or quality problems that cost far more later. An unusually low price is also one of the most common signals of a steel scam — always sanity-check it against the realistic landed cost and market rates.
Is the price too good to be true?
A below-market quote is a classic scam signal. See how to verify the supplier first.