Kuwait Tariff Rates 2026: 12.5% on US Imports
As of 2026-08-24, US imports from Kuwait carry an effective tariff of about 12.5%. This combines the 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor baseline (which replaced Section 122 on July 24, 2026) applied to countries without a separate deal, with Section 232 metals tariffs of 50% on steel and 50% on aluminum charged separately. The 10% Section 122 tariff (effective Feb 24, 2026) expired at its 150-day limit on July 24, 2026 and was replaced the same day by the Section 301 forced-labor tariff (10%, or 12.5% for higher-tier economies).
Last verified August 24, 2026 · Source: USITC HTS · Section 122 / 301 / 232 · run your exact numbers
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Kuwait Import Tariff Overview
Kuwait faces the 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tariff (which replaced Section 122 on July 24, 2026) 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; the supply disruption during the Hormuz closure drove global prices to a peak of $118/bbl, and Brent has fallen to approximately $83/bbl after Iran reopened the strait on April 17, 2026.
Recent Changes
Kuwaiti oil production shut in as part of the broader Gulf disruption from March through April 17, 2026. The US naval blockade of Hormuz (April 12-17) restricted shipping through the strait. Iran reopened the strait on April 17; commercial traffic resuming.
Tips for Importers
The impact on US importers was primarily through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions rather than direct tariff changes during the closure. With the strait reopened, energy costs should begin easing — factor declining oil prices into updated landed cost calculations for all imports.
How Are US Tariffs on Kuwait Imports Calculated?
US import duties on goods from Kuwait are determined by multiple overlapping tariff authorities. The base layer is the 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tariff, which replaced the expired 10% Section 122 tariff on July 24, 2026 and applies to most countries without a separate trade deal. Section 232 tariffs of 50% on steel and 50% on aluminum apply to metals imports, regardless of the forced-labor tariff.
To calculate the total duty on a specific import from Kuwait, use our US import duty 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.
Already importing from Kuwait? If you paid the higher pre-SCOTUS IEEPA rate in 2025, you may be able to claim an IEEPA tariff refund. And if you re-export or manufacture with imported goods, duty drawback can recover up to 99% of the duties you paid — both are separate from the rates above.
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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.