Share:

Portland Cement Clinker

Portland cement clinker is the intermediate product produced by sintering limestone and clay at high temperatures, consisting primarily of calcium silicates. It falls under HTS 2523.10.00.00 as it is the unground form of clinker used for manufacturing Portland cement by further grinding with gypsum. This classification applies to clinkers not yet processed into finished hydraulic cement.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+35.0%35%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

2523.29.00Same rate: 35%

If ground into finished Portland cement

Ground clinker with added gypsum becomes finished hydraulic cement, classified under the subheading for Portland cement rather than raw clinkers.

3824.50.00Same rate: 35%

If chemically modified or prepared with non-cementitious additives

Clinkers treated with chemical admixtures or non-hydraulic modifiers fall under prepared binders, not pure cement clinkers.

6810.19Lower: 13.9% vs 35%

If formed into cement tiles or blocks

Clinker processed into shaped articles like tiles shifts to Chapter 68 for cement-based construction products.

Not sure which classification is right?

Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.

Import Tips & Compliance

Verify clinker composition meets ASTM C150 standards for Portland cement precursors to ensure proper classification and avoid reclassification as finished cement

Provide mill test certificates documenting chemical analysis (e.g

free lime content <2%) and bulk density to customs for valuation and duty assessment

Related Products under HTS 2523.10.00.00

Aluminous Cement Clinker

Aluminous cement clinker, also known as high-alumina clinker, is produced from bauxite and limestone, offering rapid hardening and heat resistance. Classified under HTS 2523.10.00.00 as a hydraulic cement clinker before grinding. Used in refractory applications and high-temperature concretes.

Slag Cement Clinker

Slag cement clinker is produced by blending blast furnace slag with Portland clinker components, providing sulfate resistance. It is the unground clinker form under HTS 2523.10.00.00, destined for grinding into blended hydraulic cement.

Supersulfate Cement Clinker

Supersulfate cement clinker combines Portland clinker with high ratios of calcined gypsum and slag for extreme sulfate resistance. Classified as hydraulic cement clinker under HTS 2523.10.00.00 prior to final grinding.

White Portland Cement Clinker

White Portland cement clinker is made from low-iron raw materials, resulting in a light-colored clinker for aesthetic concrete applications. It is the raw clinker form under HTS 2523.10.00.00, ground later into white cement.

Oil Well Cement Clinker

Oil well cement clinker is engineered for high-pressure, high-temperature oilfield applications with specific API Class grades. It qualifies as hydraulic cement clinker under HTS 2523.10.00.00 before grinding to API specifications.

Low-Alkali Cement Clinker

Low-alkali cement clinker limits alkali content (<0.6% Na2O equivalent) to prevent alkali-silica reaction in concrete. As unground clinker, it falls under HTS 2523.10.00.00 for hydraulic cements.