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HSChapter 48
U.S. imports of molded or pressed articles of paper pulp (HS 482370) totaled $40.2M in April 2026, traded with 41 countries.
Importers of Molded or Pressed Articles of Paper Pulp paid $2.8M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $25.5M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataFormed by pressing or molding wet paper pulp into shape — rather than cutting and folding paperboard — these articles include egg cartons, protective packaging inserts, plates, bowls, cups (4823700020), and a broad NESOI category (4823700040) covering industrial and specialty applications. The manufacturing process gives molded pulp articles their characteristic cushioning and compostability properties, making them a preferred sustainable packaging solution across food, electronics, and consumer goods sectors. Thailand leads US imports under this heading, with Canada, Mexico, Vietnam, and Taiwan also supplying the market. Chinese-origin goods in this category may be subject to Section 301 tariffs, which has contributed to sourcing shifts toward Southeast Asian producers.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
The manufacturing method is the key criterion: 482370 applies to articles formed by molding or pressing a slurry of paper pulp into a mold, producing a three-dimensional shape in a single step — such as egg cartons or contoured protective trays. Articles made by cutting, scoring, and folding paperboard sheet are classified under 482369 or other relevant headings. Importers should obtain manufacturing process descriptions from suppliers when the distinction is not obvious from the finished article.
Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-origin goods have been a significant factor encouraging US importers to qualify alternative suppliers in Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam, for molded pulp packaging. However, importers should conduct proper origin analysis for goods produced in these countries, particularly where raw materials or intermediate processing may involve China, to ensure origin claims withstand CBP scrutiny.
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Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4823700040 | MOLDED OR PRESSED ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP, NESOI | $26.8M | 11.57% | $1.4M |
| 4823700020 | PLATES, BOWLS OR CUPS OF PAPER PULP | $13.4M | 10.72% | $1.4M |
MOLDED OR PRESSED ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP, NESOI
PLATES, BOWLS OR CUPS OF PAPER PULP
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4823700000 | MOLDED OR PRESSED ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP | $8.3M |
MOLDED OR PRESSED ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP
4.4M kg
SACKS AND BAGS NESOI, INCL CONES, OF PAPER ETC,
HS 481940
FOLDING CARTONS, BOXES ETC, NONCOR PAPER & PAPERBD
HS 481920
CARTONS, BOXES & CASES CORRUGATED PAPER & PAPERBD
HS 481910
PAPER & PAPERBOARD, UNCOATED, >10% MECH.FIB.,ROLLS
HS 480261
TRAYS, DISHES, PLATES, CUPS,ETC,OF PAPER/BOARD,NES
HS 482369
HANDKERCHIEFS, TISSUES & TOWELS OF PAPER PULP ETC
HS 481820
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $6.7M | $234K | -$6.5M |
| Texas | $3.5M | $336K | -$3.2M |
| Missouri | $3.1M | $301K | -$2.8M |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $7.0M | -- | -$7.0M |
| BUFFALO-NIAGARA FALLS, NY | $2.1M | $2.8M | +$766K |
| LAREDO, TX | $3.4M | $933K | -$2.5M |