U.S. imports of Glutamic Acid and Its Salts (HS 292242) totaled $5.9M in August 2026, imported from 18 countries.
Importers of Glutamic Acid and Its Salts paid $1.1M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 19.07% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Glutamic Acid and Its Salts imports of $5.9M in August 2026 ran 13% above the year-to-date monthly average of $5.2M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataMonosodium glutamate (MSG) is the commercially dominant product within this heading and receives its own dedicated 10-digit line (2922421000), reflecting its widespread use as a flavor enhancer in processed foods and food service. Glutamic acid and other salts are captured in a separate residual line (2922425000). Vietnam leads US imports under this heading, with France and China also notable sources. FDA regulates MSG as a food additive under GRAS status, but labeling requirements mandate declaration on ingredient lists, making proper documentation of grade and intended use important at entry.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
153 import shipments a month
MSG is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under FDA regulations, but imported food-grade MSG must comply with FDA labeling and purity standards. Shipments may be subject to FDA examination at the port of entry, and importers should ensure the product is accompanied by a certificate of analysis confirming food-grade specifications. Consulting a licensed customs broker or FDA-registered agent is advisable for first-time importers.
MSG's distinct commercial identity as a high-volume food ingredient, combined with its separate trade statistics significance, led to its own 10-digit line (2922421000). Other glutamic acid salts used in pharmaceutical or industrial applications are classified under 2922425000, allowing customs authorities to track MSG trade flows independently.
Subheading 6 of 18 in heading 2922
Subheading 292242 · $5.9M of $136.0M
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2922421000 | Monosodium Glutamate | $4.3M | 20.23% | 100.00% | $871K |
| 2922425000 | Glutamic Acid and Its Salts(Exc Monosod Glutamate) | $1.6M | 15.90% | 89.24% | $251K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2922420000 | Glutamic Acid and Its Salts | $430K |
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
$5.9MYoY · free account
Exports
$430KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $54.6M of Glutamic Acid and Its Salts and exported $11.3M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Vietnam and France together supply 73% of it. Brazil pays 42.4% duty; Japan 0.7%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
2.9% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 19.07% of imports for consumption.