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HSChapter 38
U.S. imports of colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite (HS 380120) totaled $667K in April 2026, traded with 7 countries.
Importers of Colloidal or Semi-Colloidal Graphite paid $66K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $663K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Colloidal or Semi-Colloidal Graphite imports of $667K in April 2026 ran 52% above the year-to-date monthly average of $440K.
Last updated: April 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.
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.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3801200000 | COLLOIDAL/SEMI-COLLOIDAL GRAPHITE | $667K | 10.00% | $66K |
COLLOIDAL/SEMI-COLLOIDAL GRAPHITE
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3801200000 | COLLOIDAL/SEMI-COLLOIDAL GRAPHITE | $2.2M |
COLLOIDAL/SEMI-COLLOIDAL GRAPHITE
384.9K kg
PRODUCTS AND RESIDUALS OF CHEMICAL INDUSTRY, NESOI
HS 382499
DIAGNOSTIC OR LABORATORY REAGENTS INCL KITS, NESOI
HS 382219
CHEM ELEM DOPED, USED IN ELECTRON, DISCS WAFERS ET
HS 381800
SUPPORTED CATALYSTS W PREC METAL/PREC MTL COMPND
HS 381512
SUPPORTED CATALYSTS, NESOI
HS 381519
ADDITIVE FOR LUB OIL CONT PETRO/BITUMINOUS MINOIL
HS 381121
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $312K | $609K | +$297K |
| Ohio | $65K | $516K | +$451K |
| Michigan | -- | $328K | +$328K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS ANGELES, CA | -- | $1.1M | +$1.1M |
| SAVANNAH, GA | $109K | $262K | +$153K |
| LAREDO, TX | $4K | $312K | +$308K |