Covers nuclear reactors, boilers, turbines, engines, pumps, compressors, air conditioning, computers, and a wide range of industrial and office machinery.

2% avg

Chapter 85: Electrical Machinery

Encompasses electrical and electronic equipment including motors, generators, transformers, batteries, semiconductors, televisions, and telephones.

2.5% avg

Chapter 94: Furniture, Bedding, Lamps

Covers furniture, mattresses, bedding, lamps, lighting fittings, illuminated signs, and prefabricated buildings for residential and commercial use.

3.2% avg

Chapter 49: Printed Books, Newspapers

Includes printed books, newspapers, magazines, maps, postcards, calendars, and other printed matter including trade advertising material.

0% avg

Chapter 90: Optical, Medical Instruments

Covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical, and surgical instruments and apparatus.

2.5% avg

District of Columbia is an active importing state, with approximately $2B in annual imports.

District of Columbia primarily receives imports through inland distribution centers and neighboring states' ports.

The top import partners for District of Columbia are CN, DE, GB, and JP, FR. These trading relationships reflect both geographic proximity and industry concentration within the state.

Under the current tariff regime, District of Columbia's importers face the Section 301 forced-labor tariff on most non-EU goods — a two-tier 10%/12.5% duty that replaced the flat 10% Section 122 rate on July 24, 2026 — while EU-origin goods fall under the EU-US trade deal's 15% all-inclusive ceiling as of July 1, 2026. The shift from variable IEEPA rates to the narrow 10%/12.5% forced-labor tiers has simplified compliance for many businesses. The forced-labor tariff covers roughly 60 economies; in August 2026, 25 states sued to block it, but CBP continues collecting it while the case proceeds.

Key import product categories for District of Columbia include goods from HTS chapters most relevant to the state's industrial base. Businesses in the state should monitor developments in Section 232 (metals), Section 301 (China), and the Section 301 forced-labor tariff (including the August 2026 states' suit challenging it).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does District of Columbia import annually?

District of Columbia imports approximately $2 billion in goods annually. The state receives imports primarily through inland distribution networks.

What countries does District of Columbia import from most?

District of Columbia's top import partners are CN, DE, GB, JP, FR. These reflect the state's industry mix and geographic position.

How do tariffs affect businesses in District of Columbia?

The Section 301 forced-labor tariff — a two-tier 10%/12.5% duty that replaced the flat 10% Section 122 rate on July 24, 2026 — affects most non-EU imports entering District of Columbia, while EU-origin goods fall under the EU-US trade deal's 15% all-inclusive ceiling as of July 1, 2026. With $2B in annual imports, even a 1% tariff change represents 0.0 billion dollars in additional costs. Businesses should factor tariff costs into purchasing decisions and explore trade agreement benefits.