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 30: Pharmaceutical Products

Covers medicaments, vaccines, blood products, bandages, and pharmaceutical preparations for therapeutic or prophylactic use.

0% avg

Chapter 87: Vehicles (not Railway)

Encompasses motor vehicles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, trailers, and vehicle parts and accessories for road transportation.

2.5% avg

Chapter 39: Plastics

Encompasses plastics in primary forms (polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, PET) and articles of plastics such as containers, tubes, and packaging.

4.2% avg

Major Ports of Entry

Port of WilmingtonPort of Morehead City

With $35 billion in annual imports, North Carolina plays an important role in US trade.

Major ports of entry include Port of Wilmington, Port of Morehead City, which handle the bulk of the state's international freight.

The top import partners for North Carolina are CN, MX, DE, and CA, JP. These trading relationships reflect both geographic proximity and industry concentration within the state.

Under the current tariff regime, North Carolina'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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina import annually?

North Carolina imports approximately $35 billion in goods annually. Major ports include Port of Wilmington, Port of Morehead City.

What countries does North Carolina import from most?

North Carolina's top import partners are CN, MX, DE, CA, JP. These reflect the state's industry mix and geographic position.

How do tariffs affect businesses in North Carolina?

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 North Carolina, while EU-origin goods fall under the EU-US trade deal's 15% all-inclusive ceiling as of July 1, 2026. With $35B in annual imports, even a 1% tariff change represents 0.4 billion dollars in additional costs. Businesses should factor tariff costs into purchasing decisions and explore trade agreement benefits.