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HSChapter 69
U.S. imports of refractory nonconstructional ceramic goods — over 50% alumina or silica (retorts, muffles, nozzles, plugs, etc.) (HS 690320) totaled $16.6M in April 2026, traded with 33 countries.
Importers of Refractory Nonconstructional Ceramic Goods — Over 50% Alumina or Silica (Retorts, Muffles, Nozzles, Plugs, etc.) paid $1.4M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 13% on $10.5M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Refractory Nonconstructional Ceramic Goods — Over 50% Alumina or Silica (Retorts, Muffles, Nozzles, Plugs, etc.) imports of $16.6M in April 2026 ran 14% above the year-to-date monthly average of $14.6M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataAlumina- and silica-rich refractory shapes used as process equipment components — retorts, muffles, nozzles, plugs, tubes, and similar non-structural articles — are classified here rather than with constructional bricks, because their function is process containment or flow control rather than furnace lining. All imports under this heading consolidate into a single 10-digit line (6903200000), so the classification decision turns on confirming both the alumina/silica dominance and the nonconstructional character of the article. Mexico and Japan lead US supply, with Germany and India also significant sources. Nozzles and flow-control components for continuous casting are a commercially important subset, often subject to tight dimensional and chemistry specifications.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Constructional refractory goods (heading 6902) are designed to form the structural lining of furnaces, kilns, or reactors — bricks, blocks, and tiles that are assembled into walls or floors. Nonconstructional goods (heading 6903) are discrete functional components used within a process: nozzles that direct molten metal flow, retorts that contain chemical reactions, muffles that shield workpieces from direct flame, and plugs that seal tap holes. The distinction is based on function and form, not composition.
Alumina-graphite or high-alumina continuous casting nozzles are a common import under this heading, provided free carbon does not exceed 50% (which would shift classification to 6903.10) and alumina or silica exceeds 50% by weight. Importers should verify the precise chemistry of each nozzle grade, as composition varies by steel grade application, and misclassification between 6903.10 and 6903.20 is a recurring audit issue.
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Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6903200000 | RFRC CERAM GDS NESOI >50% ALUMINA/MIX ALUM&SILICA | $16.6M | 12.98% | $1.4M |
RFRC CERAM GDS NESOI >50% ALUMINA/MIX ALUM&SILICA
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 6903200000 | RFRC CERAM GDS NESOI >50% ALUMINA/MIX ALUM&SILICA | $10.5M |
RFRC CERAM GDS NESOI >50% ALUMINA/MIX ALUM&SILICA
501.7K kg
CERAMIC SANITARY FIXTURES OF PORCELAIN OR CHINA
HS 691010
CERAMIC FLAGS/PAVING/ETC, H20 ABS COEF WT <= 0.5%
HS 690721
CERAMIC TABLEWRE, KITCHNWRE ETC, EARTHENWARE ETC
HS 691200
CERAMIC WARES FOR LABORATORY ETC USE NESOI
HS 690919
STATUTTES A OTH ORNMNTL CERAM ARTCLS NT PORC/CHINA
HS 691390
CERAMIC TABLEWARE & KITCHENWARE, PORCELAIN & CHINA
HS 691110
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $2.2M | $3.2M | +$987K |
| Ohio | $4.0M | $864K | -$3.1M |
| California | $3.0M | $137K | -$2.9M |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAREDO, TX | $4.2M | $426K | -$3.8M |
| DEL RIO, TX | -- | $2.9M | +$2.9M |
| OAKLAND, CA | $2.6M | $115K | -$2.5M |