U.S. imports of Machine Tools Operated by Laser or Other Light/Photon Beam Processes (SITC 73111) totaled $66.4M in August 2026, imported from 34 countries.
Importers of Machine Tools Operated by Laser or Other Light/Photon Beam Processes paid $9.2M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 13.85% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Machine Tools Operated by Laser or Other Light/Photon Beam Processes imports of $66.4M in August 2026 ran 30% above the year-to-date monthly average of $51.3M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataLaser and photon-beam machine tools occupy a technically demanding niche in precision metalworking and electronics manufacturing, used for cutting, welding, drilling, and surface treatment at tolerances unachievable by conventional tooling. Imports of these systems are subject to Section 301 tariff exposure depending on origin, making sourcing decisions consequential for capital equipment buyers. Classification hinges on the primary working process — laser versus other light or photon beam — rather than the workpiece material, so multi-process machines require careful heading analysis before entry.
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402 import shipments a month
Classification follows the machine's principal function. If laser or photon-beam processing is the primary working method, the machine falls under this heading; if another process (e.g., electro-discharge) predominates, a different heading applies. Importers should document the machine's design intent and consult a licensed customs broker or request a binding ruling from CBP.
Depending on country of origin, laser machine tools may be subject to Section 301 tariffs. The applicable rate and product scope vary by HTS subheading and origin, so importers should verify current trade-remedy orders with CBP or a licensed customs broker before finalizing sourcing decisions.
Basic heading 196 of 642 in section 7
Basic heading 73111 · $66.4M of $172.0B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
Italy and Germany together supply 43% of it. China pays 38.9% duty; Italy 6.3%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$66.4MYoY · free account
Exports
$15.3MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $582.8M of Machine Tools Operated by Laser or Other Light/Photon Beam Processes.
Through August 2026 · exports 10 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.