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HSChapter 68
U.S. imports of exfoliated vermiculite, expanded clays & similar expanded mineral materials (HS 680620) totaled $2.5M in April 2026, traded with 14 countries.
Importers of Exfoliated Vermiculite, Expanded Clays & Similar Expanded Mineral Materials paid $195K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $1.7M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Exfoliated Vermiculite, Expanded Clays & Similar Expanded Mineral Materials imports of $2.5M in April 2026 ran 21% above the year-to-date monthly average of $2.0M.
Last updated: April 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.
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.
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Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNITED KINGDOM | $1.5M | $306K | -$1.2M |
| CANADA | $45K | $1.8M | +$1.7M |
| MEXICO | $688K | $542K | -$147K |
| ISRAEL | -- | $709K | +$709K |
| CHINA | $99K | $303K | +$204K |
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6806200000 | EXFL VERMIC EXPND CLYS FOMD SLAG ETC INC INTR MXT | $2.5M | 11.46% | $195K |
EXFL VERMIC EXPND CLYS FOMD SLAG ETC INC INTR MXT
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 6806200000 | EXFL VERMIC EXPND CLYS FOMD SLAG ETC INC INTR MXT | $6.1M |
EXFL VERMIC EXPND CLYS FOMD SLAG ETC INC INTR MXT
5.0M kg
OTHR ARTS NESOI OF CMNT ETC
HS 681099
MARBLE, TRAVERTINE AND ALABASTER, WORKD, NESOI
HS 680291
WORDK MONUMENTAL OR BUILDING STONE, NESOI
HS 680299
GRANITE, NESOI
HS 680293
ABRASIVES ON A BASE MATERIAL OTH THN FABRC O PAPER
HS 680530
ARTICLES OF ASPHALT OR SIMILAR MATERIALS IN ROLLS
HS 680710
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $1.2M | $604K | -$556K |
| Missouri | $13K | $1.6M | +$1.6M |
| Illinois | -- | $1.4M | +$1.4M |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORFOLK-NEWPORT NEWS, VA | -- | $1.7M | +$1.7M |
| LAREDO, TX | $587K | $343K | -$244K |
| NEWARK, NJ | $632K | -- | -$632K |