Harmonized System
U.S. imports of Colloidal or Semi-Colloidal Graphite (HS 380120) totaled $494K in September 2026, imported from 11 countries.
Importers of Colloidal or Semi-Colloidal Graphite paid $105K in duties in September 2026, an average duty rate of 21.33% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Colloidal or Semi-Colloidal Graphite imports of $494K in September 2026 ran 11% above the year-to-date monthly average of $443K.
Last updated: September 2026 dataColloidal and semi-colloidal graphite — graphite dispersed in extremely fine particle form within a liquid or semi-liquid medium — serves as a lubricant, conductive coating, and release agent across metalworking, electronics, and refractory applications. Unlike solid artificial graphite, this form is classified under a single 10-digit line (3801200000), simplifying entry but requiring careful product characterization to distinguish it from graphite-based preparations under heading 3801.90. The Netherlands leads US supply, followed by South Korea and Japan, reflecting specialty chemical producers in those countries with established dispersion technology. Importers should confirm whether their product meets the colloidal particle-size and dispersion criteria, as misclassification between 3801.20 and 3801.90 is a recurring audit issue.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
20 import shipments a month
Colloidal graphite (3801.20) consists of graphite particles dispersed to colloidal or semi-colloidal fineness in a medium, with graphite as the defining functional component. A preparation based on graphite (3801.90) typically involves graphite combined with other functional ingredients to achieve a specific end-use property beyond simple dispersion. The key test is whether the product's character is defined by the colloidal graphite dispersion itself or by a formulated mixture. CBP rulings and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 38 provide additional guidance.
Primary end uses include high-temperature lubrication in metalworking and forging, conductive coatings for electronics and battery components, mold-release agents in foundry operations, and anti-seize compounds for fasteners in extreme-temperature environments. The Netherlands and South Korea are leading suppliers, reflecting their roles in specialty lubricant and electronic materials manufacturing.
Subheading 4 of 4 in heading 3801
Subheading 380120 · $494K of $55.2M
ImportsExports
Imports
$494KYoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to September 2026, the U.S. imported $5.3M of Colloidal or Semi-Colloidal Graphite.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through September 2026 · exports 11 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 380120 — Colloidal or Semi-Colloidal Graphite, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3801200000 | Colloidal/Semi-Colloidal Graphite | $547K | 25.29% | 100.00% | $138K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3801200000 | Colloidal/Semi-Colloidal Graphite | $1.4M |
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 · September 2026
origin
Brazil and Netherlands together supply 68% of it. Brazil pays 37.5% duty; Germany 10.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
0.6% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 21.33% of imports for consumption.