U.S. imports of Carbon Fibers (HS 681511) totaled $25.5M in August 2026, imported from 39 countries.
Importers of Carbon Fibers paid $1.8M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 6.94% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 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.
316 import shipments a month
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.
Subheading 1 of 7 in heading 6815
Subheading 681511 · $25.5M of $92.7M
ImportsExports
Imports
$25.5MYoY · free account
Exports
$26.6MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $277.8M of Carbon Fibers and exported $335.2M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 681511 — Carbon Fibers, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6815110000 | Carbon Fibers | $25.5M | 6.94% | 59.72% | $1.8M |
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 | $26.6M |
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 · August 2026
origin
Mexico and Japan together supply 70% of it. South Korea pays 12.5% duty; Mexico 0.6%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
40.3% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 6.94% of imports for consumption.