U.S. imports of Pliers, Pincers, Tweezers, and Similar Tools, and Parts, of Base Metal (HS 820320) totaled $28.5M in August 2026, imported from 42 countries.
Importers of Pliers, Pincers, Tweezers, and Similar Tools, and Parts, of Base Metal paid $6.1M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 21.38% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataChina is the dominant supplier of base-metal pliers, pincers, and tweezers to the US market, with Taiwan and Vietnam also significant — a concentration that makes Section 301 tariff exposure a routine landed-cost consideration for importers. The US schedule breaks this heading into tweezers (8203202000), slip-joint pliers (8203204000), other pliers (8203205000 and 8203206030), other pincers and similar tools (8203206060), and parts (8203208000), so the specific tool type and its mechanism determine the correct 10-digit line. Slip-joint versus non-slip-joint is a frequently litigated classification distinction, as the adjustable pivot mechanism is the defining feature.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
2.8K import shipments a month
Slip-joint pliers (8203204000) have a pivot point that can be repositioned between two or more fixed slots, allowing the jaw opening to be adjusted without a screw or other mechanism. Pliers with a fixed pivot, or those adjusted by a screw or cam, fall under the other-pliers lines. The physical construction of the pivot is the determining factor, and importers should include technical drawings or manufacturer specifications in their entry documentation.
Imports of pliers, pincers, and similar hand tools from China are subject to Section 301 tariffs. Given that China accounts for a large share of US supply, importers should model Section 301 costs into sourcing decisions and verify whether any product-specific exclusions are currently in effect through the USTR exclusion process.
Trade Directory
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Subheading 1 of 4 in heading 8203
Subheading 820320 · $28.5M of $39.5M
ImportsExports
Imports
$28.5MYoY · free account
Exports
$12.5MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $327.0M of Pliers, Pincers, Tweezers, and Similar Tools, and Parts, of Base Metal and exported $156.5M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8203206030 | Pliers Except Slip Joint, Base Metal | $14.2M | 21.91% | 98.66% | $3.1M |
| 8203204000 | Slip Joint Pliers, Base Metal | $5.5M | 23.57% | 96.05% | $1.3M |
| 8203206060 | Pncrs A Smlr Tls Ex Plrs O Twzrs, Bs Mtl | $5.4M | 16.76% | 99.83% | $898K |
| 8203202000 | Tweezers Base Metal | $2.7M | 25.67% | 99.23% | $701K |
| 8203208000 | Pts Fr Plrs (Nt Sj) Pncrs A Smlr Bmtl | $612K | 10.52% | 93.24% | $64K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8203206060 | Pncrs A Smlr Tls Ex Plrs O Twzrs, Bs Mtl | $5.8M |
| 8203205000 | Pliers of Base Metal | $4.4M |
| 8203202000 | Tweezers Base Metal | $1.5M |
| 8203208000 | Pts Fr Plrs (Nt Sj) Pncrs A Smlr Bmtl | $745K |
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
China and Vietnam together supply 50% of it. China pays 41.8% duty; Germany 10.1%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
1.7% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 21.38% of imports for consumption.