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BREAKING: Trump announces US naval blockade of Strait of Hormuz (April 12). Oil at $118/bbl. Section 122 tariffs (10%) expire ~July 24. Steel/aluminum at 50% (Section 232). Full analysis →
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US Tariffs on Imports from Kuwait

Updated 2026-04-12
Updated Feb 21, 2026: IEEPA tariff (was 10%) struck down by SCOTUS Feb 20. Replaced by 10% Section 122 tariff (effective Feb 24, expires ~July 24). Rate unchanged at 10%. Section 122 tariffs expire ~July 24, 2026.
Section 122 Tariff
10%
232 Steel
50%
232 Aluminum
50%
Kuwaiti oil and petrochemical exports disrupted by Strait of Hormuz closure since March 2026.

Kuwait Import Tariff Overview

Kuwait faces a 10% Section 122 tariff on US imports. Kuwait is a significant oil exporter, and its production has been severely disrupted by the Strait of Hormuz closure since March 2026.

US imports from Kuwait total approximately $8 billion annually, primarily crude oil and petrochemicals. Kuwait's oil exports transit the Strait of Hormuz, making them directly affected by the ongoing blockade.

Key Products Imported from Kuwait

Crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, fertilizers, and plastics are Kuwait's main exports to the US. Crude oil enters at 0% MFN duty, but the supply disruption has driven global prices to $118/bbl.

Recent Changes

Kuwaiti oil production shut in as part of the broader Gulf disruption since March 2026. The US naval blockade of Hormuz (April 12) further restricts shipping through the strait.

Tips for Importers

The impact on US importers is primarily through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions rather than direct tariff changes. Factor elevated oil prices into landed cost calculations for all imports.

How US Tariffs on Kuwait Work

US import duties on goods from Kuwait are determined by multiple overlapping tariff authorities. The base layer is the Section 122 tariff at 10%, which applies to all countries and is set to expire around July 24, 2026. Section 232 tariffs of 50% on steel and 50% on aluminum apply to metals imports, regardless of the Section 122 rate.

To calculate the total duty on a specific import from Kuwait, use our tariff calculator or landed cost calculator for a complete estimate including Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). You can also compare Kuwait rates with other countries to evaluate sourcing alternatives.

Calculate Duty from Kuwait

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kuwait imports still possible during the Hormuz blockade?
Physical shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is effectively blocked. Kuwaiti exports that can reach alternative ports or pipelines may still be available, but at significantly higher costs and longer lead times.

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Note: Rates shown do not include potential anti-dumping or countervailing duties (AD/CVD), which may apply to specific products and can significantly increase total duty. Consult a customs broker for product-specific rates.