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HSChapter 85
U.S. imports of universal ac/dc electric motors with output exceeding 37.5 w (HS 850120) totaled $19.1M in April 2026, traded with 48 countries.
Last updated: April 2026 dataUniversal motors — designed to operate on both alternating and direct current — are widely used in portable power tools, household appliances, and light industrial equipment where variable-speed operation and high starting torque are required. The US schedule segments this heading into five output bands ranging from just above 37.5 W through 746 W and above, with each band carrying its own tariff treatment. Vietnam leads US imports under this heading, followed by Japan and China; imports from China are subject to Section 301 tariffs, which has contributed to Vietnam's prominence as an assembly and export hub for this product category.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
A universal motor is specifically constructed with a wound armature and series field windings that allow it to operate efficiently on either AC or DC supply without modification. Standard AC motors (induction or synchronous types) and dedicated DC motors are classified under separate subheadings of heading 8501. If a motor is labeled or documented as 'universal' by the manufacturer and its design confirms AC/DC compatibility, it belongs under heading 850120 rather than the AC-only or DC-only subheadings.
Each motor must be classified individually based on its own rated output. A mixed shipment containing motors in different wattage bands requires separate line items on the entry, each citing the applicable 10-digit HTS code for that output range. Consolidating motors of different outputs under a single tariff line is a classification error that can result in penalties and redelivery demands. Packing lists and technical specs should clearly identify the rated output of each motor model in the shipment.
Monthly import values over time
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