Limonite Nickel Ore from China
Limonite layer of laterite profiles consisting of iron oxides with adsorbed nickel, typically higher grade at 1.5-2.5% Ni. Falls under HTS 2604.00.0040 with nickel content reported by assay without deductions. Used in high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) processing.
Duty Rate — China → United States
25%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.05.860%Articles provided for in subdivision (b) of U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Account for high moisture (30-40%) in limonite; use dry weight basis for accurate nickel content
• Comply with EPA import notifications if ore contains hazardous impurities above thresholds
• Differentiate from tailings; only unprocessed ore qualifies for this HTS