U.S. imports of Plasma and Vacuum Arc Furnaces (HS 851432) totaled $2.4M in August 2026, imported from 8 countries.
Importers of Plasma and Vacuum Arc Furnaces paid $19K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 0.81% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Plasma and Vacuum Arc Furnaces imports of $2.4M in August 2026 ran 122% above the year-to-date monthly average of $1.1M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataPlasma arc and vacuum arc remelting (VAR) furnaces are critical refining tools for producing homogeneous, inclusion-free ingots of superalloys, titanium, and specialty steels demanded by aerospace, defense, and medical-device supply chains. Germany leads US imports under this heading, consistent with its strength in high-specification metallurgical capital equipment, with Austria and Poland also among the top suppliers. The two US tariff lines under this heading separate a base provision (8514320000) from a residual 'not elsewhere specified' line (8514329000), and correct classification often hinges on whether the unit operates by plasma torch or by consumable-electrode vacuum arc discharge.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
4 import shipments a month
Both fall within heading 851432, but the operating principle differs: plasma arc furnaces use an externally generated plasma torch as the heat source, while vacuum arc remelting (VAR) furnaces use a consumable electrode that arcs under vacuum. Customs classification is based on the equipment's described operating mechanism in the manufacturer's technical documentation, not on the end-product metal.
Imports from certain origins may be subject to Section 301 tariffs or other trade-remedy measures depending on the country of origin and the specific tariff line. Importers should verify current remedy orders with CBP or a licensed customs broker before entry, as applicability can change with administrative reviews.
Subheading 7 of 8 in heading 8514
Subheading 851432 · $2.4M of $96.0M
ImportsExports
Imports
$2.4MYoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $11.6M of Plasma and Vacuum Arc Furnaces and exported $719K.
Through August 2026 · exports 10 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Germany and South Korea together supply 100% of it. South Korea pays 12.5% duty; Germany 0.8%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
duty collected equals 0.81% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8514329000 | Plasma and Vacuum Arc Furnaces, NESOI | $2.4M | 0.81% | 100.00% | $19K |
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 851432 — Plasma and Vacuum Arc Furnaces, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.