Standard International Trade Classification
U.S. imports of Fully or Partly Automatic Arc & Plasma Arc Welding Machines (SITC 73735) totaled $17.5M in August 2026, imported from 32 countries.
Importers of Fully or Partly Automatic Arc & Plasma Arc Welding Machines paid $1.9M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 10.58% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Fully or Partly Automatic Arc & Plasma Arc Welding Machines imports of $17.5M in August 2026 ran 34% below the year-to-date monthly average of $26.4M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataAutomatic and semi-automatic arc welding equipment — including plasma arc systems — occupies a critical position in automotive, shipbuilding, and heavy fabrication supply chains, where throughput and weld repeatability drive purchasing decisions. These machines are classified under SITC 73735 and may be subject to Section 301 tariffs depending on country of origin, making sourcing geography a key cost variable for capital equipment buyers. Plasma arc variants command premium pricing due to their ability to process high-alloy and stainless steels at speeds unattainable by conventional shielded-metal processes. Importers should confirm HTS classification carefully, as the degree of automation determines whether a unit falls here or in an adjacent heading.
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344 import shipments a month
The automation criterion is the primary classification divider at this SITC level. A machine with programmable torch movement, automatic wire feed, and seam-tracking qualifies as fully or partly automatic; a manually guided unit does not. Importers should obtain technical specifications from the manufacturer and consult a licensed customs broker to confirm the correct HTS subheading before entry.
Both plasma arc and conventional arc welding machines fall within SITC 73735 when fully or partly automatic, so they share the same SITC classification. However, at the HTS 10-digit level, plasma arc equipment may map to a distinct subheading, and Section 301 additional duties may apply based on origin. Verifying the precise HTS code with a customs broker is advisable before importation.
Basic heading 351 of 642 in section 7
Basic heading 73735 · $17.5M of $172.0B
ImportsExports
Imports
$17.5MYoY · free account
Exports
$5.8MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $333.7M of Fully or Partly Automatic Arc & Plasma Arc Welding Machines.
Through August 2026 · exports 10 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Canada and Japan together supply 43% of it. China pays 38.6% duty; Canada 0.2%.
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.
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