U.S. imports of Expanded Metal of Iron or Steel (HS 731450) totaled $3.0M in August 2026, imported from 14 countries.
Importers of Expanded Metal of Iron or Steel paid $636K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 21.14% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataProduced by slitting and stretching a solid metal sheet rather than weaving or welding wire, expanded metal has a distinctive diamond-pattern aperture and integral strand structure that sets it apart from all wire-based mesh in heading 7314. A single 10-digit line (7314500000) covers the full range of iron and steel expanded metal, from lightweight lath used in plastering to heavy-duty grating for industrial flooring and safety barriers. Mexico is the leading supplier, with China and Canada also significant; the product is subject to Section 232 steel tariffs, and the manufacturing process — which occurs entirely in the country of production — makes origin determination straightforward. Specifiers should note that strand thickness, diamond dimensions, and surface treatment (plain, galvanized, or painted) are the key commercial variables.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
138 import shipments a month
Expanded metal is formed from a single sheet by simultaneous slitting and stretching — there are no separate wires or weld points. This manufacturing distinction places it exclusively under 7314500000 rather than any of the welded or woven wire subheadings. The duty rate and any applicable trade-remedy exposure may differ between the two product types, so confirming the production method with the manufacturer is essential before filing entry.
Construction (plaster lath, stair treads, walkway grating), industrial safety (machine guards, ventilation covers), and architectural design (facade panels) are the primary end-use sectors. Construction-grade product is highly price-sensitive, favoring nearby suppliers like Mexico for freight efficiency, while architectural and precision-grade expanded metal may be sourced from specialized producers regardless of geography.
Subheading 5 of 10 in heading 7314
Subheading 731450 · $3.0M of $32.0M
ImportsExports
Imports
$3.0MYoY · free account
Exports
$1.2MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $31.0M of Expanded Metal of Iron or Steel and exported $15.1M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Mexico and China together supply 91% of it. China pays 74.0% duty; Mexico 10.2%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
duty collected equals 21.14% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7314500000 | Expanded Metal, Iron or Steel | $3.0M | 21.14% | 100.00% | $636K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 7314500000 | Expanded Metal, Iron or Steel | $1.2M |
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.
Trade Directory
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