U.S. Import Duties Historical Data

Explore over a century of import duties and trade data for the United States (1891-2024).

Understanding the historical context of U.S. trade duties can help illustrate how trade policies have evolved and potentially influenced the consumer prices we track today on everyday products.

Data Source: Office of Analysis and Research Services, U.S. International Trade Commission (Published Feb 2025).

View Original Report

Key Historical Statistics

Highest Avg. Duty Rate (on Total Imports): 29.3% in 1899.

Highest Avg. Duty Rate (on Dutiable Imports Only): 59.1% in 1932.

Highest Duties Collected (Nominal): $89.82 Billion in 2022.

Highest Total Imports (Nominal): $3.25 Trillion in 2024.

Historical Duty Rates (%)

This chart shows the average U.S. import duty rate calculated in two ways: as a percentage of all imports ('Total Imports') and as a percentage of only those imports subject to duty ('Dutiable Imports'). Observe the significant decline throughout the 20th century, particularly after World War II, reflecting shifts towards freer trade policies.

Total Duties Collected ($ Billions, Nominal)

This chart displays the total amount of import duties collected by the U.S. government in nominal U.S. dollars (not adjusted for inflation). Note the substantial increase in collected duties in recent decades, driven by the overall growth in import value.

Total Imports for Consumption ($ Trillions, Nominal)

This chart shows the total value of goods imported for consumption into the United States in nominal U.S. dollars (not adjusted for inflation). The dramatic growth, especially since the 1970s, highlights the increasing role of international trade in the U.S. economy.

Data Considerations

Dollar values shown for 'Duties Collected' and 'Total Imports' are nominal and not adjusted for inflation over this long historical period.
Data collection methods and definitions may have evolved since 1891. Refer to the original USITC report for detailed methodology.

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