Nickel Laterite Ore from China

A naturally occurring ore primarily composed of nickel-bearing silicates and oxides, such as garnierite, mined from tropical weathering profiles. Classified under HTS 2604.00.0040 as nickel ores and concentrates, with nickel content reported for statistical purposes based on assay quantity. It is used in metallurgical processes to extract nickel for stainless steel production.

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)
9903.03.030%Articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa)(ii) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter

Import Tips

Provide certified assay reports detailing nickel content without deductions to comply with statistical reporting requirements

Verify origin certificates as nickel ores may face quotas or special tariffs from certain countries like Indonesia or the Philippines

Avoid misclassification as concentrates by ensuring the product is unprocessed ore, not beneficiated material