U.S. imports of Benzene (High Purity) (HS 290220) totaled $138.5M in August 2026, imported from 11 countries.
Importers of Benzene (High Purity) paid $8.9M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 6.40% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Benzene (High Purity) imports of $138.5M in August 2026 ran 139% above the year-to-date monthly average of $57.9M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataAt 95% or greater purity by weight, benzene classified under 2902200000 is a foundational aromatic petrochemical feedstock for ethylbenzene (and downstream styrene), cumene (and downstream phenol/acetone), cyclohexane, and aniline production. Its classification at this purity threshold distinguishes it from lower-purity aromatic streams that may fall elsewhere in Chapter 27. Canada is the leading US import source, with South Korea, Colombia, Argentina, and Japan also supplying the market. Benzene is a regulated hazardous substance under EPA and OSHA frameworks, and bulk liquid shipments require appropriate hazmat documentation at entry.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
62 import shipments a month
The 95% purity floor is the defining criterion that places benzene in heading 2902 as a discrete chemical compound rather than in Chapter 27 as a petroleum mixture. Importers receiving material below this threshold — such as reformate or pyrolysis gasoline streams with high benzene content — should work with a licensed customs broker to determine whether classification falls under Chapter 27 or another provision, as the duty treatment and regulatory requirements can differ.
Benzene is classified as a known human carcinogen and a DOT hazardous material (UN 1114, Class 3). Bulk liquid shipments must be accompanied by a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), proper hazmat shipping documentation, and placarding. Importers should also be aware of EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reporting requirements and OSHA's permissible exposure limits, which affect downstream handling and storage at the port of entry.
Subheading 1 of 12 in heading 2902
Subheading 290220 · $138.5M of $209.9M
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2902200000 | Benzene of A Purity of 95% or More by Weight | $138.5M | 6.40% | 75.26% | $8.9M |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2902200000 | Benzene of A Purity of 95% or More by Weight | $897K |
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.
ImportsExports
Imports
$138.5MYoY · free account
Exports
$897KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $521.3M of Benzene (High Purity) and exported $28.9M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
India and Canada together supply 68% of it. South Korea pays 12.5% duty; Canada 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
24.7% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 6.40% of imports for consumption.