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Other Base Metals from South Africa Tariff: 10% (2026)

Tariff Rate Breakdown

10%

Section 122 Base

10%

Effective Rate

South Africa is a significant source of other base metals imports into the United States, with approximately $20B in total bilateral trade.

As of mid-2026, other base metals imports from South Africa face a base tariff rate of 10% under the Section 301 forced-labor tariff (a two-tier 10%/12.5% duty), which replaced the flat 10% Section 122 rate when it expired July 24, 2026. Section 122 had itself replaced the IEEPA reciprocal tariff following the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling in Learning Resources v. Trump (with V.O.S. Selections) on February 20, 2026.

Under the Trade Act of 1974, Section 122 tariffs are limited to 150 days, so the flat 10% Section 122 rate expired on July 24, 2026. It was replaced the same day by USTR's Section 301 forced-labor tariff, and South Africa's current 10% base surcharge is that two-tier (10%/12.5%) rate.

Other Base Metals (HTS Chapter 81) carry an average MFN duty rate of 3.5% in addition to the base forced-labor tariff. No additional Section 232 or Section 301 surcharges apply to most products in this category from South Africa.

Key products in HTS Chapter 81 imported from South Africa include Tungsten wire and rods, Titanium bars, Magnesium ingots, Cobalt, Molybdenum, and Tantalum capacitors.

Common Products in Chapter 81

Tungsten wire and rodsTitanium barsMagnesium ingotsCobaltMolybdenumTantalum capacitorsZirconiumAntimony

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current tariff rate on other base metals from South Africa?

As of mid-2026, other base metals from South Africa face a base tariff of 10% under the Section 301 forced-labor tariff, which replaced the flat 10% Section 122 rate on July 24, 2026. The effective rate is about 10% on the most-affected products.

Will the tariff on other base metals from South Africa change?

The flat 10% Section 122 tariff expired July 24, 2026 and was replaced the same day by the Section 301 forced-labor tariff; South Africa's current 10% base surcharge is that two-tier (10%/12.5%) rate, covering roughly 60 economies. In August 2026, 25 states sued to block the forced-labor tariff, but CBP continues collecting it while the case proceeds.

How did the Supreme Court ruling affect other base metals imports from South Africa?

The Supreme Court's February 20, 2026 ruling struck down IEEPA reciprocal tariffs as exceeding presidential authority. The president signed a replacement flat 10% tariff under Section 122 the same day, effective February 24; that rate expired July 24, 2026 and was replaced by the Section 301 forced-labor tariff (now 10% for South Africa).