U.S. imports of Aluminum Oxide (Alumina), Except Artificial Corundum (HS 281820) totaled $36.8M in August 2026, imported from 34 countries.
Importers of Aluminum Oxide (Alumina), Except Artificial Corundum paid $140K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 0.38% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Aluminum Oxide (Alumina), Except Artificial Corundum imports of $36.8M in August 2026 ran 34% below the year-to-date monthly average of $56.1M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataCommercially known as alumina, this grade of aluminum oxide is the principal intermediate in the Bayer process refining chain and a critical feedstock for primary aluminum smelting. Brazil leads US imports under tariff line 2818200000, followed by China and Germany, reflecting the global concentration of bauxite refining capacity. Importers sourcing from China should be aware that aluminum-related products have faced Section 301 trade-remedy scrutiny, making origin documentation and classification precision especially important. Beyond smelting, calcined and hydrated alumina variants serve ceramics, abrasives, and catalyst support applications.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
412 import shipments a month
Artificial corundum — fused alumina produced specifically for abrasive use — falls under a separate HTS heading (2818.10). Heading 2818.20 captures all other aluminum oxide, including calcined and tabular alumina used in refractories, ceramics, and as smelting feedstock. The key classification distinction is the intended production method and end-use grade, not simply the chemical formula.
Yes. Aluminum oxide sourced from China may be subject to Section 301 tariffs. Importers should verify the current status of applicable trade-remedy orders with a licensed customs broker before entry, as rates and product scope can change.
Subheading 2 of 3 in heading 2818
Subheading 281820 · $36.8M of $81.9M
ImportsExports
Imports
$36.8MYoY · free account
Exports
$20.0MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $657.6M of Aluminum Oxide (Alumina), Except Artificial Corundum and exported $248.2M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
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HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2818200000 | Aluminum Oxide, Except Artificial Corundum, NESOI | $36.7M | 0.38% | 6.62% | $140K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2818200000 | Aluminum Oxide, Except Artificial Corundum, NESOI | $20.0M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Brazil and China together supply 69% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
93.2% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 0.38% of imports for consumption.