Cement Clinkers

Cement clinkers are the nodular, kiln-fired intermediate product from which Portland and other hydraulic cements are ground — imported when domestic grinding capacity exceeds local clinker production or when freight economics favor importing the semi-finished material. All US imports are classified under tariff line 2523100000. Canada is the top supplier, with Turkey and France also significant; Vietnam and Croatia round out the leading source countries. Clinker trade is closely tied to domestic cement plant capacity utilization, and importers should monitor whether specific origins are subject to antidumping or countervailing duty proceedings.