U.S. imports of carbon fibers (HS 681511) totaled $32.4M in July 2026, traded with 35 countries.
Importers of Carbon Fibers paid $2.4M in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $22.9M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Carbon Fibers imports of $32.4M in July 2026 ran 31% above the year-to-date monthly average of $24.8M.
Last updated: July 2026 dataCarbon fibers — continuous filaments of carbonized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or pitch — are a critical input for aerospace, automotive lightweighting, and advanced manufacturing, classified under a single tariff line, 6815110000. Japan dominates US imports under this heading, reflecting the concentrated global production capacity of major Japanese fiber manufacturers; Mexico and Germany are also notable sources. Importers should be aware that carbon fibers may be subject to Section 301 tariff considerations depending on origin, and that fiber tow specifications (modulus, tensile strength, filament count) are essential for both classification and end-use qualification. Distinguishing raw fiber tow from woven fabrics or finished articles is a recurring classification issue at the Chapter 68 level.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
315 shipments/mo
Unprocessed or lightly processed continuous filament tow and chopped fiber generally remain within 6815110000. Once fibers are woven, braided, or otherwise formed into a textile structure, they typically move to 6815120000 (fabrics of carbon fibers). Finished molded or machined components made from carbon fiber composites would classify under 6815130000 or potentially other chapters depending on their primary function. The line between tow and fabric can be ambiguous for multiaxial non-crimp fabrics, so specification sheets and manufacturing process documentation are important at entry.
Japan is not currently subject to Section 301 tariffs, which target Chinese-origin goods. However, importers sourcing carbon fibers from China should assess Section 301 exposure carefully. Carbon fibers from any origin may also be reviewed under Section 232 frameworks depending on downstream defense or aerospace applications. Confirming the applicable duty treatment with a licensed customs broker before shipment is recommended.
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Subheading 1 of 7 in heading 6815
Subheading 681511 · $32.4M of $100.3M
ImportsExports
Imports
$32.4MYoY · Pro
Exports
$26.3MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6815110000 | Carbon Fibers | $32.4M | 7.33% | 70.57% | $2.4M |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 6815110000 | Carbon Fibers | $26.3M |
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.
Imports · July 2026
origin
Japan and Mexico together supply 60% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
29.4% enters free of duty; the effective duty rate is 7.33%.