Complete Guide to US
Import & Export in 2026
Everything you need to know — HS codes, customs duties, CBP rules, freight options, Incoterms, and the latest official US trade data released March 12, 2026.
Jan 2026 ↑ $15.8B vs Dec
Jan 2026 ↓ $2.6B vs Dec
Jan 2026 ↓ 57.6% vs Jan '25
US Imports Record high
Whether you are a first-time importer trying to bring goods into the United States, a small business owner looking to sell products overseas, or a trade professional brushing up on the latest rules — this guide covers everything you need to know about US import and export in 2026.
We will walk through the full process from start to finish: what import and export actually mean from a legal standpoint, how customs and the CBP work, how to classify your products using HS codes, what duties and fees to expect, how to choose between freight options, what the Incoterms mean, and what the latest trade data tells us about where the US economy stands right now.
Let's start with the basics — and build up to the practical steps you need to take today.
What Are Import & Export?
At its simplest, an import is any good or product brought into the United States from a foreign country. An export is any good or product sent from the United States to a foreign country. Both are regulated by the federal government — primarily by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for imports, and by the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) for exports.
The US is one of the largest trading nations in the world. In January 2026, the United States exported $302.1 billion in goods and services while importing $356.6 billion — leaving a trade deficit of $54.5 billion. Despite what political rhetoric might suggest, both exports and imports are enormous drivers of the US economy.
Top US Import Sources — January 2026
| Country / Region | Import Value (Jan 2026) | Key Goods | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $45.6 billion | Vehicles, electronics, agriculture | Stable |
| European Union | $40.7 billion | Machinery, pharma, chemicals | Growing |
| Canada | $29.8 billion | Oil, lumber, vehicles | Stable |
| Taiwan | $22.7 billion | Semiconductors, electronics | Growing |
| China | $21.2 billion | Consumer goods, machinery | Declining |
| Vietnam | $20.4 billion | Apparel, electronics, furniture | Growing |
HS Codes: The Foundation of Every Trade
Before you can import or export anything, you need to know your product's Harmonized System (HS) code — sometimes called an HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code in the US context. This is a universal 6-to-10 digit number that classifies every product traded internationally.
Why does it matter? Because your HS code determines your tariff rate, any import restrictions or quotas, required licences and permits, antidumping and countervailing duty orders, and eligibility for trade agreement benefits (e.g., USMCA zero-rate tariffs).
Getting your HS code wrong is one of the most common — and most costly — mistakes in import and export. Misclassification can result in underpaying or overpaying duties, customs delays, fines, and even seizure of goods.
How HS Codes Work
| Level | Digits | What it Identifies | Who Uses It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 2 digits | Broad product category (e.g. Chapter 84 = Machinery) | All countries |
| Heading | 4 digits | Specific product group | All countries |
| Subheading | 6 digits | International HS standard level | All countries |
| HTS heading | 8 digits | US-specific classification | US importers |
| Statistical suffix | 10 digits | Full US HTS — used for duty calculation | US importers (CBP) |
For example, if you want to import laptop computers, the 10-digit HTS code is 8471.30.0100. The first two digits (84) tell customs it is "Machinery and mechanical appliances." The tariff rate, any Section 301 duties on Chinese-origin goods, and any AD/CVD orders are all tied to that specific number.
How US Customs & CBP Work
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the federal agency responsible for controlling what enters the United States. Every commercial shipment entering the US must be "entered" — meaning officially declared and documented — with CBP. Here is what that process looks like in practice.
Customs Bonds — What You Need to Know
Any importer bringing goods into the US with a value over $2,500 (or any value if the goods are regulated) must have a customs bond. This is an insurance-style agreement between you, the CBP, and a surety company that guarantees you will comply with all CBP regulations and pay all duties owed.
- Single Entry Bond: Covers one specific shipment. Best for one-off or infrequent importers. Cost: typically 0.5% of the shipment's value
- Continuous Bond: Covers all shipments for 12 months. Best for regular importers. Cost: typically $500–$600/year for most importers. Required if you import more than about 12 times per year
Import Duties, Fees & What You'll Pay
When you import goods into the United States, there are several types of charges you may face. Understanding each one is critical for accurate cost planning.
| Fee Type | Who Pays | How It's Calculated | Typical Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad Valorem Duty | Importer | % of declared customs value | 0% – 37.5% (varies by HTS code) |
| Section 301 Tariffs (China) | Importer (China goods) | % of customs value | 7.5% – 100% depending on product |
| Section 232 Tariffs (Steel/Al) | Importer | % on steel & aluminium | 25% steel / 10% aluminium |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) | All importers | 0.3464% of entered value | Min $32.71 / Max $634.62 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) | Ocean freight | 0.125% of cargo value | 0.125% |
| AD/CVD Duties | If applicable | Antidumping / countervailing orders | Can be very high — check per product |
The De Minimis Rule — What Changed in 2026
The de minimis threshold is the value below which goods can enter the United States duty-free and without a formal entry filing. Historically, the US had one of the most generous de minimis thresholds in the world at $800 — a rule that enormously benefited e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu.
In 2026, this rule has been significantly tightened. Goods from China and other countries subject to elevated tariffs now face stricter de minimis enforcement, reduced thresholds for certain categories, and enhanced CBP scrutiny of low-value shipments. If you run an e-commerce drop-shipping or direct-import business, this change affects your cost model directly.
Choosing the Right Freight Method
How you physically move your goods is one of the biggest cost drivers in any import or export operation. There are four main freight modes, and the right one depends on your shipment size, urgency, budget, and product type.
| Mode | Best For | Transit Time (Asia–US) | Cost Level | Weight/Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean FCL (Full Container) | Large volume regular importers | 18–35 days | Cheapest per kg | 20ft or 40ft container |
| Ocean LCL (Less Container Load) | Small shipments, testing new suppliers | 25–40 days | Moderate | Any size, shared container |
| Air Freight | High-value, urgent, or light goods | 5–10 days | Most Expensive | Under ~500 kg ideal |
| Air Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS) | Samples, small parcels, documents | 2–7 days | Very Expensive | Under 30 kg |
| Rail / Road (Mexico/Canada) | North American trade only | 5–14 days | Moderate | Flexible |
Do You Need a Freight Forwarder?
A freight forwarder is a logistics agent who organises the shipment of your goods on your behalf. They handle bookings with carriers, prepare shipping documents, coordinate customs clearance, and often manage inland transport at both ends of the journey.
For most importers and exporters who are not doing huge volumes with dedicated logistics teams, using a freight forwarder is strongly recommended. The fees are typically modest relative to the savings and headaches they prevent.
- What a good freight forwarder does: Books cargo space, prepares bills of lading and commercial invoices, files ISF and customs entries, arranges cargo insurance, tracks your shipment
- How to find one: Look for members of the FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) or licensed by the FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) for ocean freight
- Average cost: Ocean LCL forwarder fees typically $150–$350 per shipment. FCL fees $200–$600. Air freight forwarding 10–20% of air freight cost
Incoterms 2020: Who Pays What
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are a set of 11 internationally recognised trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They define exactly who — the buyer or the seller — is responsible for costs and risks at each stage of a shipment's journey.
Getting Incoterms wrong in your contract can cost you thousands of dollars in unexpected charges or leave you uninsured at a critical point. Here are the most important ones for US importers and exporters.
| Incoterm | Meaning | Risk Transfers at | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW — Ex Works | Buyer collects from seller's premises | Seller's factory | Experienced importers with own forwarder |
| FOB — Free On Board | Seller loads onto ship at origin port | Ship's rail at origin | Most common for ocean freight — importers |
| CIF — Cost, Insurance & Freight | Seller pays freight & insurance to destination port | Destination port | Simpler for new importers — less control |
| DAP — Delivered at Place | Seller delivers to named destination | Named destination | Seller handles most logistics |
| DDP — Delivered Duty Paid | Seller handles everything including duties | Buyer's door | Maximum convenience — seller takes all risk |
| FCA — Free Carrier | Seller delivers to named carrier | Named carrier location | Air freight, multimodal transport |
How to Export from the United States
Exporting is often seen as simpler than importing — and in many ways it is. The US government generally encourages exports and has fewer restrictions than on imports. However, there are important rules, documents, and controls you must follow, especially for regulated products.
Key Export Documents
- Commercial Invoice: The primary document for customs — states what you're selling, to whom, the value, and the country of origin. Required for all commercial exports
- Packing List: Detailed list of contents in each package — weights, dimensions, quantities. Required by most buyers and carriers
- Bill of Lading (Ocean) / Air Waybill (Air): The transport contract and receipt of goods issued by the carrier. Critical document for payment and ownership transfer
- Certificate of Origin: Certifies where the goods were made. Required for trade agreement benefits (e.g., USMCA) and sometimes required by the importing country's customs
- Export Licence (if required): Needed for controlled goods — dual-use technology, weapons, chemicals, encryption software. Check BIS (Bureau of Industry and Security) EAR99 classification
Electronic Export Information (EEI) Filing
Most commercial exports from the US with a value over $2,500 per Schedule B number must be filed through the Automated Export System (AES) — now part of the ACE portal. This Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing is required before export and serves as the legal record of the transaction for the US Census Bureau.
10 Steps to Start Importing or Exporting in 2026
- Identify your product and get its HS / HTS code. Use hts.usitc.gov for imports or scheduleB.census.gov for exports. This single number determines your entire duty and compliance picture.
- Calculate your total landed cost. Include product cost, international freight, cargo insurance, import duties (all applicable tariffs), customs broker fees, and domestic delivery. Budget a buffer of 10–15% for unexpected charges.
- Check for import restrictions and licences. Some products require FDA, USDA, EPA, or other agency approval before they can enter the US. Do this research before you place your first order.
- Get a customs bond. If you import regularly, a Continuous Bond is more cost-effective than per-shipment bonds. Apply through a licensed surety company or your customs broker.
- Hire a licensed customs broker. Especially for your first few shipments, a good broker will save you time, money, and compliance headaches. Look for a CHB (Certified Customs Broker) licensed by CBP.
- Choose your freight forwarder and negotiate Incoterms. For ocean imports, aim for FOB terms so you control freight costs. Get quotes from at least 3 freight forwarders.
- Arrange cargo insurance. Standard carrier liability is very low — typically $500 for ocean, far less than the value of most shipments. Marine cargo insurance is inexpensive relative to the protection it provides.
- File ISF on time for ocean shipments. Submit Importer Security Filing at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded abroad. Late filings cost $5,000 per occurrence.
- Keep meticulous records. CBP can audit your import records for up to 5 years after entry. Keep all commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and entry documents.
- Stay current on tariff changes. The US-China tariff situation is still evolving in 2026. Follow Global Trade Zone for the latest updates — and sign up for CBP's CSMS (Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements System) notices for official alerts.
US import and export is complex — but entirely manageable with the right knowledge and the right team around you.
Know your HS code. Understand your duties. File on time. Work with licensed professionals. And stay current on tariff changes — because in 2026, those changes are still coming fast. Bookmark Global Trade Zone for free, expert coverage of every major development.
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