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HSChapter 68
U.S. exports of exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays & similar expanded mineral materials (HS 680620) totaled $4.4M in July 2026.
Importers of Exfoliated Vermiculite, Expanded Clays & Similar Expanded Mineral Materials paid $156K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $1.4M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: July 2026 dataExfoliated vermiculite and expanded clay aggregates (sometimes marketed as LECA — lightweight expanded clay aggregate) are thermally processed minerals used as lightweight fill, horticultural growing media, fireproofing aggregates, and insulating concrete components. All US imports enter under a single tariff line, 6806200000. The United Kingdom is the leading supplier, reflecting established vermiculite processing capacity there, with Mexico and China also notable sources. Classification questions most often arise at the boundary with heading 6806 subheadings covering mineral wool (fibrous form) versus these granular or aggregate expanded materials.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
106 shipments/mo
Exfoliated vermiculite (heading 680620) and expanded perlite (heading 680610 or 2616/2530 depending on form and processing) are classified differently based on mineral identity. Vermiculite is a phyllosilicate mineral that expands accordion-like when heated; perlite is a volcanic glass that pops into foam-like particles. A mineralogical certificate or supplier specification confirming the mineral type is the standard supporting document for classification.
End-use does not change the classification. Expanded clay aggregate (LECA) used as a hydroponic or horticultural growing medium is classified under 6806200000 based on its material composition and manufacturing process, not its intended application. The same product sold for construction fill or insulating concrete would carry the same tariff line.
Subheading 3 of 3 in heading 6806
Subheading 680620 · $2.1M of $34.8M
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ImportsExports
Imports
$2.1MYoY · Pro
Exports
$4.4MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6806200000 | Exfl Vermic Expnd Clys Fomd Slag Etc Inc Intr Mxt | $2.1M | 7.41% | 66.64% | $156K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 6806200000 | Exfl Vermic Expnd Clys Fomd Slag Etc Inc Intr Mxt | $4.4M |
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.
Exports · July 2026
destination
Canada and Japan together take 47% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
33.4% enters free of duty; the effective duty rate is 7.41%.