U.S. imports of Iodine (HS 280120) totaled $14.2M in August 2026, imported from 5 countries.
Importers of Iodine paid $305K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 2.15% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Iodine imports of $14.2M in August 2026 ran 20% below the year-to-date monthly average of $17.7M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataChile and Japan together account for the overwhelming majority of global iodine production — Chile from caliche ore brines and Japan from natural gas field brines — making this heading one of the more geographically concentrated among industrial chemicals. Classified under 2801200000, iodine serves as a critical input for pharmaceuticals, X-ray contrast media, LCD polarizing films, and animal-feed supplements. Supply-chain planners should monitor Chilean and Japanese output closely, as weather events, energy costs, and brine-field depletion can create sharp price and availability swings.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
14 import shipments a month
Global iodine production is heavily concentrated in Chile and Japan, which together supply the vast majority of world output. This geographic concentration means that disruptions — such as Chilean mining-sector labor actions or Japanese energy-cost spikes — can rapidly tighten global availability and push up prices, leaving US buyers with limited alternative sources in the short term.
Iodine used in pharmaceutical or food-contact applications may be subject to FDA oversight depending on its intended use and formulation. Importers should ensure that purity specifications and labeling align with the intended downstream application, and consult a licensed customs broker or regulatory counsel to confirm whether FDA prior notice or other admissibility requirements apply to their specific shipment.
ImportsExports
Imports
$14.2MYoY · free account
Exports
$8.6MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $205.3M of Iodine and exported $81.2M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Subheading 1 of 3 in heading 2801
Subheading 280120 · $14.2M of $24.1M
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 280120 — Iodine, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2801200000 | Iodine | $14.2M | 2.15% | 17.17% | $305K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2801200000 | Iodine | $8.6M |
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.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Chile and Japan together supply 99% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
82.8% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 2.15% of imports for consumption.