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HSChapter 69
U.S. imports of refractory ceramic goods containing over 50% free carbon (HS 690310) totaled $2.3M in May 2026, traded with 20 countries.
Importers of Refractory Ceramic Goods Containing Over 50% Free Carbon paid $41K in duties in May 2026 — an effective duty rate of 12% on $337K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: May 2026 dataCarbon-dominant refractories — typically graphite or carbon-bonded shapes used in blast furnace hearths, electric arc furnace sidewalls, and aluminum smelting cells — are classified here when free carbon exceeds 50% by weight. The entire heading resolves to a single 10-digit line (6903100000), simplifying classification but placing the analytical burden on accurately measuring free carbon content versus combined carbon. Mexico and Japan are the leading sources of US imports under this heading. Importers should be aware that Chinese-origin carbon refractory goods may be subject to Section 301 tariffs, and that antidumping or countervailing duty orders on carbon products from specific origins warrant verification before entry.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Free carbon refers to elemental carbon — graphite or amorphous carbon — present in the ceramic matrix as a distinct phase, as opposed to carbon chemically combined in carbides such as silicon carbide. Laboratory analysis (typically by combustion or acid-dissolution methods) is used to quantify free carbon content. If the free carbon content does not exceed 50% by weight, the article would be classified elsewhere in heading 6903.
The primary consumers are steel producers (blast furnace hearth linings and tap-hole blocks), aluminum smelters (cathode blocks and sidewall linings), and electric arc furnace operators. These applications require the combination of high thermal conductivity, resistance to molten metal attack, and dimensional stability that carbon-bonded and graphite ceramics uniquely provide.
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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 % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6903100000 | OTH REFRAC CERAMIC GDS W GRAPHITE/CARBON OV 50PCT | $2.3M | 3.03% | 27.86% | $69K |
OTH REFRAC CERAMIC GDS W GRAPHITE/CARBON OV 50PCT
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 6903100000 | OTH REFRAC CERAMIC GDS W GRAPHITE/CARBON OV 50PCT | $1.4M |
OTH REFRAC CERAMIC GDS W GRAPHITE/CARBON OV 50PCT
25.0K 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $1.2M | -- | -$1.2M |
| Texas | $595K | $3K | -$592K |
| Pennsylvania | $2K | $539K | +$536K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAREDO, TX | $1.8M | $86K | -$1.7M |
| CHICAGO, IL | -- | $597K | +$597K |
| SAVANNAH, GA | -- | $168K | +$168K |