U.S. imports of Electrical Carbon or Graphite Brushes (HS 854520) totaled $7.0M in August 2026, imported from 33 countries.
Importers of Electrical Carbon or Graphite Brushes paid $458K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 6.57% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Electrical Carbon or Graphite Brushes imports of $7.0M in August 2026 ran 23% above the year-to-date monthly average of $5.7M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataCarbon and graphite brushes are sliding contact components that transfer electrical current in motors, generators, alternators, and traction equipment — making them a maintenance-critical consumable across automotive, rail, industrial, and power-generation sectors. Mexico is the leading US import source, with Germany and Canada also prominent suppliers; the German and Canadian presence reflects the precision-engineering requirements of OEM-grade brushes for high-performance motors. Because brush grade (carbon content, hardness, resistivity) must be matched to the specific machine application, importers and procurement teams should obtain full material specifications to ensure compatibility and support classification.
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320 import shipments a month
Generally yes — carbon and graphite brushes for electrical purposes are classified under this heading regardless of the end-use machine (motor, generator, alternator, etc.). However, brushes that are integral parts of a specific machine and imported with that machine may be classified with the machine. Standalone brush imports for aftermarket or MRO use are the typical scenario for this heading.
Key specifications include carbon grade (electrographitic, metal-graphite, resin-bonded), resistivity, hardness, and contact dimensions. These parameters determine both the correct tariff classification and whether the brush is suitable for the target application. Supplier test certificates or material data sheets should be retained as part of the import record.
ImportsExports
Imports
$7.0MYoY · free account
Exports
$5.5MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $65.7M of Electrical Carbon or Graphite Brushes and exported $68.2M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
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Subheading 2 of 4 in heading 8545
Subheading 854520 · $7.0M of $32.7M
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8545200000 | Electrical Carbon or Graphite Brushes | $7.0M | 6.57% | 60.52% | $458K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8545200000 | Electrical Carbon or Graphite Brushes | $5.5M |
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
Germany and Mexico together supply 50% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
39.0% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 6.57% of imports for consumption.