SITCSection 6
U.S. imports of unwrought nickel (unalloyed) (SITC 68311) totaled $126.9M in July 2026, traded with 13 countries.
Unwrought Nickel (Unalloyed) imports of $126.9M in July 2026 ran 10% above the year-to-date monthly average of $115.0M.
Last updated: July 2026 dataUnalloyed unwrought nickel — typically traded as cathodes, pellets, or briquettes — is a primary feedstock for stainless steel production and specialty electroplating operations. Imports are subject to Section 232 national-security tariff considerations, making origin and product form critical classification factors for buyers. Because this material is not alloyed, purity specifications (commonly 99.8% Ni or higher) govern both pricing and downstream suitability, distinguishing it sharply from the alloy-based unwrought forms classified separately under 68312.
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257 shipments/mo
Classification hinges on chemical composition: unalloyed unwrought nickel must meet a minimum nickel content threshold (typically 99% or higher by weight), with no intentional alloying elements added. Importers should provide mill certificates or assay reports confirming purity to support the 68311 classification and avoid reclassification into the alloy heading.
Unwrought nickel can be subject to Section 232 tariff measures depending on the country of origin and applicable exclusions. Importers should verify current Section 232 status and any product-specific exclusions with a licensed customs broker before shipment, as the landscape changes with administrative determinations.
Basic heading 43 of 766 in section 6
Basic heading 68311 · $126.9M of $26.7B
Supplier Network
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Imports · July 2026
origin
Canada and Norway together supply 79% of it.
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
$126.9MYoY · Pro
Exports
$5.4MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.