U.S. imports of Unwrought Nickel (Unalloyed) (SITC 68311) totaled $120.0M in August 2026, imported from 15 countries.
Last updated: August 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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292 import shipments a month
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 51 of 766 in section 6
Basic heading 68311 · $120.0M of $27.0B
Imports · August 2026
origin
Canada and Norway together supply 77% 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.
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ImportsExports
Imports
$120.0MYoY · free account
Exports
$2.8MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $1.3B of Unwrought Nickel (Unalloyed) and exported $61.2M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.