What is the Customs Duty for Raw Steel Imported by an Agent? Do You Know?
Resolved
I want to find an agent to help import raw steel, but I'm not very clear about the customs duty situation. I'd like to ask what exactly is the customs duty for raw steel imported by an agent? Will the customs duty vary depending on the type of steel? Also, will the customs duty be different for various import regions? I hope a professional can help me answer these questions so I can have a clear understanding and prepare my cost budget in advance.

Trade Expert Insights Answers
The customs duty rate for raw steel imported by an agent is not fixed; it varies depending on factors such as the specific type of steel and the country of origin.
Firstly, according to China's current tariff policy, for common ordinary carbon structural steel imported from countries with which China has signed Most Favored Nation (MFN) clauses, the customs duty rate is typically around 1% - 6%; the duty rate for alloy steel may be between 2% - 8%. If imported from specific Free Trade Agreement countries and meeting the corresponding rules of origin, zero tariff benefits may be enjoyed.
Secondly, different types of steel have different customs tariff codes, leading to varying duty rates. For instance, seamless steel pipes and steel plates have different duty rates.
Therefore, to accurately determine the customs duty for raw steel imported by an agent, you first need to clarify the specific type of steel and its country of origin. You can then obtain the precise tax rate by consulting the "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" or a professional customs brokerage company like Zhongmaoda.
Generally, importing raw steel from some Southeast Asian countries, if it complies with relevant agreements, may result in lower customs duties. The specifics still depend on the type of steel and the content of the agreements signed with China.
Raw steel import duties depend on their specific classification; for instance, duties for construction-grade and industrial-grade steel can sometimes differ and require careful confirmation.
Different trade methods can also affect customs duties; for example, general trade and processing trade may have different duty calculations and rates.
Customs duties may also change due to policy adjustments; monitoring the General Administration of Customs website can provide timely information.
The calculation of customs duty for raw steel imported by an agent needs to consider the value of the goods. After calculating the customs duty amount, there may also be other taxes and fees such as VAT.
Identifying the customs code for steel is crucial, as different codes lead to significant differences in corresponding customs duty rates.
If you are unsure about raw steel customs duties, consult a customs broker, as they are familiar with tax rates and policies.
Confirming the specific specifications and models of steel with the supplier helps in accurately determining the customs duty rate.