Loading...
HSChapter 39
U.S. imports of alginic acid, its salts and esters, in primary forms (HS 391310) totaled $5.5M in April 2026, traded with 18 countries.
Importers of Alginic Acid, Its Salts and Esters, in Primary Forms paid $769K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 14% on $5.5M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataDerived from brown seaweed, alginic acid and its derivatives — including sodium alginate, potassium alginate, and propylene glycol alginate — serve as thickeners, gelling agents, and stabilizers across food, pharmaceutical, and textile industries. Norway is the dominant US supplier, reflecting its large-scale kelp harvesting operations, with China and Japan also significant sources. All imports enter under a single 10-digit line (3913100000), simplifying classification but not necessarily duty exposure, as Chinese-origin shipments may be subject to Section 301 tariffs. Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade alginates require FDA review at entry, so importers should confirm grade specifications and labeling compliance before shipment.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
The HTS classification under 3913100000 does not change based on grade, but food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade alginates are subject to FDA admissibility review at entry. Importers should ensure product labeling accurately reflects the intended use and that the foreign manufacturer is registered with FDA as required.
Norway's cold North Atlantic waters produce brown kelp with high alginate content and consistent quality, making Norwegian suppliers preferred for pharmaceutical and high-purity food applications. Chinese-origin alginates, while widely available, may carry Section 301 tariff exposure, which affects landed cost comparisons for US buyers.
Supplier Network
Get discovered by U.S. importers searching for HS 391310 — Alginic Acid, Its Salts and Esters, in Primary Forms. Be the first supplier listed.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAPAN | $1.8M | -- | -$1.8M |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $1.5M | -- | -$1.5M |
| NORWAY | $882K | $121K | -$761K |
| CANADA | $8K | $967K | +$959K |
| IRELAND | $438K | -- | -$438K |
Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3913100000 | ALGINIC ACID,ITS SALTS AND ESTERS | $5.5M | 13.98% | $769K |
ALGINIC ACID,ITS SALTS AND ESTERS
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3913100000 | ALGINIC ACID,ITS SALTS AND ESTERS | $1.4M |
ALGINIC ACID,ITS SALTS AND ESTERS
155.3K kg
ARTICLES OF PLASTICS, NESOI
HS 392690
FLOOR, WALL, ETC COVERS, VINYL CHLORIDE POLYMERS
HS 391810
TABLEWARE AND KITCHENWARE OF PLASTICS
HS 392410
SACKS & BAGS (INCL CONES) OF POLYMERS OF ETHYLENE
HS 392321
HOUSEHOLD AND TOILET ARTICLES NESOI OF PLASTICS
HS 392490
PLATES, SHEETS ETC, NON-CELL ETC, POLYMER
HS 392010
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $2.4M | $238K | -$2.2M |
| New York | $1.7M | $13K | -$1.6M |
| North Carolina | -- | $791K | +$791K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHESTER, PA | $2.7M | -- | -$2.7M |
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $1.4M | -- | -$1.4M |
| ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY | -- | $619K | +$619K |