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NAICSSector 33
U.S. imports of ships (NAICS 336611) totaled $16.5M in April 2026, traded with 42 countries.
Importers of Ships paid $556K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 8.4% on $6.6M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Ships imports of $16.5M in April 2026 ran 48% above the year-to-date monthly average of $11.1M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataLarge commercial vessels — including container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, roll-on/roll-off ships, and passenger cruise ships — are classified under NAICS 336611, a sector where US domestic production is limited and international sourcing dominates global supply. Imported ships entering US waters for international trade are subject to US Coast Guard port state control inspections and must meet SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards as administered through flag state certification. The Jones Act's domestic-build requirement effectively walls off coastwise trade from foreign-built tonnage, concentrating import activity in vessels intended for international routes.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Commercial vessels must carry valid SOLAS certificates issued or endorsed by their flag state, including Safety Construction, Safety Equipment, and Safety Radio certificates, as well as an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) under ISPS Code requirements. US Coast Guard port state control officers may inspect these documents and the vessel's physical condition upon arrival.
Generally, no. The Jones Act requires that vessels in US coastwise trade be US-built, not merely US-flagged. A foreign-built vessel re-flagged to US registry cannot engage in domestic point-to-point cargo transport. Waivers exist but are granted only in narrow circumstances, such as national emergencies, and are not a routine commercial option.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO | -- | $16.1M | +$16.1M |
| TAIWAN | $70K | $9.4M | +$9.3M |
| CANADA | $4.0M | $5.2M | +$1.2M |
| MEXICO | $5.0M | $636K | -$4.4M |
| INDIA | -- | $3.9M | +$3.9M |
No geographic breakdown available
U.S. trade for this product is not broken down by state or port in the latest Census Bureau release.
Monthly import values over time