U.S. exports of Diesel-Electric Locomotives (SITC 79121) totaled $29.0M in August 2026.
Importers of Diesel-Electric Locomotives paid $360K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 25.00% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Diesel-Electric Locomotives imports of $1.4M in August 2026 ran 214% above the year-to-date monthly average of $459K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataDiesel-electric locomotives — the dominant motive-power technology on North American freight railroads — use a diesel engine to drive electric traction motors, combining fuel flexibility with high tractive effort. Imports of these units are relatively infrequent given the strength of domestic manufacturers, but cross-border movements for overhaul, leasing, or specialized service do occur. Classification is straightforward when the propulsion system is clearly diesel-electric, but units with supplemental battery storage or alternative fuel systems require careful review against adjacent headings.
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3 import shipments a month
Locomotives brought in solely for repair, overhaul, or testing may qualify for entry under a Temporary Importation Bond (TIB) or ATA Carnet, deferring duties provided the units are re-exported within the authorized period. Importers should file the appropriate entry type and maintain documentation of the repair or testing purpose to satisfy CBP requirements.
Not necessarily. If the battery system provides meaningful traction power rather than serving purely as an auxiliary, the unit may be considered a hybrid and could fall under a different heading. The classification turns on which power source is primary; technical specifications and manufacturer documentation should be reviewed with a customs broker before entry.
Basic heading 79121 · $29.0M of $76.2B
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Exports · August 2026
destination
Australia and Canada together take 93% of it.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
origin
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$1.4MYoY · free account
Exports
$29.0MYoY · free account
Low of 4 reported months · imports
Low · free accountThrough August 2026 · imports 4 of 12 months reported, exports 10 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.