<h2>Tanzania's Steel Import Landscape in 2026</h2><p>Tanzania remains one of East Africa's most active importers of construction steel, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects, residential development, and government capital expenditure programmes. For buyers sourcing rebar and wire rod from Asia, understanding the full landed cost � including import duties � is essential for accurate project budgeting.</p><h2>EAC Common External Tariff for Steel</h2><p>Under the East African Community (EAC) Common External Tariff (CET), steel rebar (HS Code 7213.10 and 7214.20) attracts a standard import duty of <strong>25%</strong> on CIF value. This rate applies to imports from China, India, and South Korea.</p><p>In addition to the base customs duty, buyers should budget for:</p><ul><li><strong>VAT:</strong> 18% applied on CIF + duty</li><li><strong>Railway Development Levy (RDL):</strong> 1.5% on CIF value</li><li><strong>Import Declaration Fee (IDF):</strong> 0.6% on CIF value</li><li><strong>Destination Inspection Fee:</strong> Approximately USD 200�400 per container</li></ul><h2>Port of Dar es Salaam � Key Charges</h2><p>Most steel imports enter Tanzania through Dar es Salaam port. Port handling charges for a 20ft container of steel typically run between USD 350�550. For bulk steel shipments, port dues are calculated per metric tonne and typically range from USD 8�15/MT.</p><h2>How CIF Pricing Simplifies Landed Cost</h2><p>Tetra Commodity Trading quotes all East African steel shipments on CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) terms to Dar es Salaam port. A simplified landed cost for a 600MT rebar shipment:</p><ul><li>CIF Dar es Salaam: USD 495/MT x 600MT = USD 297,000</li><li>Import duty (25%): USD 74,250</li><li>VAT on CIF + duty (18%): USD 66,825</li><li>Other levies: approx. USD 6,500</li><li><strong>Estimated landed cost: USD 444,575 (USD 741/MT)</strong></li></ul><h2>Sourcing Strategy</h2><p>Given the high duty burden, buyers benefit from consolidating shipments to maximise economies of scale on freight. Tetra typically ships 500�3,000MT per vessel call to East African ports. Indian-origin rebar sometimes carries a marginal duty advantage under bilateral trade agreements.</p><p>For a landed cost analysis specific to your project, contact the Tetra trade team at <a href="mailto:enquiries@tetracommodity.com">enquiries@tetracommodity.com</a>.</p>