U.S. imports of Audio-Frequency Electric Amplifiers (HS 851840) totaled $90.8M in August 2026, imported from 61 countries.
Importers of Audio-Frequency Electric Amplifiers paid $5.6M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 6.30% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataMexico leads US imports of audio-frequency electric amplifiers, reflecting deep integration of North American electronics manufacturing under USMCA, with China and Thailand as significant secondary sources. The heading divides into amplifiers used as repeaters in line telephony (8518401000) — a narrowly defined telecom application — and all other audio-frequency amplifiers (8518402000), which captures the far broader commercial market including home audio, professional sound reinforcement, and automotive applications. Correct line selection between these two tariff lines matters because the telephony-repeater subheading carries distinct duty treatment. Goods from China in this heading may be subject to Section 301 tariffs, a cost factor that has reinforced Mexico's supply-chain prominence.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
4.3K import shipments a month
8518401000 covers amplifiers specifically designed to boost signal strength within wire-based telephone transmission systems — a technical telecom function. General-purpose audio amplifiers for home stereo, professional PA systems, or automotive use do not meet this definition and classify under 8518402000. Importers should have technical specifications confirming the telephony-repeater function before using the narrower tariff line.
Audio-frequency amplifiers that meet USMCA rules of origin — including applicable tariff-shift and regional-value-content requirements — may qualify for preferential duty treatment. Given that Mexico is the leading supplier under this heading, many importers actively structure their supply chains to satisfy USMCA origin criteria. A licensed customs broker should verify that specific assembly processes and component sourcing meet the applicable rule.
Subheading 3 of 8 in heading 8518
Subheading 851840 · $90.8M of $835.9M
ImportsExports
Imports
$90.8MYoY · free account
Exports
$47.5MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $1.0B of Audio-Frequency Electric Amplifiers and exported $571.2M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Mexico and Thailand together supply 64% of it. China pays 36.8% duty; Mexico 1.1%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
55.1% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 6.30% of imports for consumption.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8518402000 | Audio Frequency Electric Amplifiers, NESOI | $88.6M | 6.18% | 38.38% | $5.5M |
| 8518401000 | Audio Freq. Amps Used As Repeaters in Line Telphny | $424K | 30.10% | 99.00% | $128K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8518402000 | Audio Frequency Electric Amplifiers, NESOI | $38.6M |
| 8518401000 | Audio Freq. Amps Used As Repeaters in Line Telphny | $8.9M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
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