Hi-Tech
U.S. imports of weapons (Hi-Tech 09) totaled $130.0M in April 2026, traded with 52 countries.
Importers of Weapons paid $4.6M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 14% on $33.2M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Weapons imports of $130.0M in April 2026 ran 17% above the year-to-date monthly average of $111.3M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataClassified under hitech category 09, weapons encompass a broad range of controlled military and dual-use armaments subject to stringent US export and import controls administered through multiple regulatory frameworks, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Importers and exporters must navigate licensing requirements from the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) or the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), depending on the specific article. Trade in weapons-category goods is also subject to end-user and end-use screening, with certain items additionally restricted under UN arms embargoes and bilateral agreements. Classification at the line level is highly fact-specific, and misclassification carries significant legal exposure.
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Jurisdiction depends on the specific item. The State Department's DDTC regulates defense articles on the US Munitions List under ITAR, while the Commerce Department's BIS controls dual-use items under the EAR. Some transactions also require ATF involvement for firearms and ammunition. Determining the correct regulatory pathway before shipment is essential.
Required documentation varies by item but commonly includes an import permit or license, an end-user certificate, a DSP-61 import certificate (for ITAR-controlled articles), and commercial invoices with precise technical specifications. Customs brokers experienced in defense trade compliance should be engaged early, as incomplete documentation can result in seizure or denial of entry. Classification is complex; consult a licensed customs broker or the relevant agency.
Supplier Network
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISRAEL | $969K | $316.0M | +$315.0M |
| UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | -- | $240.0M | +$240.0M |
| QATAR | -- | $60.3M | +$60.3M |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $29.8M | $5.2M | -$24.7M |
| JAPAN | $15.8M | $18.3M | +$2.5M |
Monthly import values over time