SITCSection 7
U.S. imports of fully or partly automatic arc & plasma arc welding machines (SITC 73735) totaled $29.8M in April 2026, traded with 29 countries.
Importers of Fully or Partly Automatic Arc & Plasma Arc Welding Machines paid $2.8M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $25.5M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 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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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.
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Monthly import values over time