Loading...
HSChapter 28
U.S. imports of helium-3 (HS 284540) totaled $3.3M in May 2026, traded with 2 countries.
Importers of Helium-3 paid $332K in duties in May 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $3.3M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Helium-3 imports of $3.3M in May 2026 ran 382% above the year-to-date monthly average of $693K.
Last updated: May 2026 dataHelium-3 is an exceptionally scarce stable isotope with critical applications in neutron detection, quantum computing research, and cryogenic cooling, making it one of the most supply-constrained specialty gases in global trade. Classified under 2845400000, it is distinct from common helium-4 and commands a significant price premium reflecting its limited production — primarily as a byproduct of tritium decay in nuclear weapons stockpiles. Canada and France are among the leading suppliers to the US market, with Russia also a notable source given its legacy nuclear infrastructure.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Helium-3 is produced almost exclusively as a decay product of tritium, which is generated in nuclear weapons programs. Global production is tightly limited, and demand from neutron detection and scientific research has historically outpaced supply. Importers should expect long lead times, allocation-based purchasing, and significant price volatility.
While helium-3 is a stable (non-radioactive) isotope and does not require NRC licensing on that basis, it may be subject to export controls in supplier countries due to its strategic sensitivity. US importers should verify that the exporting country's authorities have cleared the shipment and that end-use documentation is in order.
Supplier Network
Get discovered by U.S. importers searching for HS 284540 — Helium-3. Be the first supplier listed.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANADA | $3.3M | -- | -$3.3M |
| FRANCE | $41K | -- | -$41K |
| UNITED KINGDOM | -- | -- | -- |
| KOREA, SOUTH | -- | -- | -- |
| NETHERLANDS | -- | -- | -- |
Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2845400000 | HELIUM-3 | $0 | -- | -- |
HELIUM-3
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2845400000 | HELIUM-3 | $0 |
HELIUM-3
URANIUM ENRICHED IN U235 ETC. PLUTONIUM ETC.
HS 284420
NATURAL URANIUM & COMPOUNDS, ALLOYS & CERAMICS ETC
HS 284410
ANHYDROUS AMMONIA
HS 281410
ALLOYS, DISPERSIONS,ISOTOPES & COMPOUNDS NES
HS 284443
SILICON, UNDER 99.99% (BY WEIGHT) SILICON
HS 280469
PHOSPHORIC ACID AND POLYPHOSPHORIC ACIDS
HS 280920
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | -- | -- | -- |
| Texas | -- | -- | -- |
| California | -- | -- | -- |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORT HURON, MI | -- | -- | -- |
| CINCINNATI-LAWRENCEBURG, OH | -- | -- | -- |
| SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CA | -- | -- | -- |