U.S. imports of Molded or Pressed Articles of Paper Pulp (HS 482370) totaled $36.2M in August 2026, imported from 49 countries.
Importers of Molded or Pressed Articles of Paper Pulp paid $3.1M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 8.43% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 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.
2.6K import shipments a month
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.
Subheading 3 of 6 in heading 4823
Subheading 482370 · $36.2M of $154.9M
ImportsExports
Imports
$36.2MYoY · free account
Exports
$7.5MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $478.6M of Molded or Pressed Articles of Paper Pulp and exported $105.8M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4823700040 | Molded or Pressed Articles of Paper Pulp, NESOI | $23.8M | 6.65% | 45.21% | $1.6M |
| 4823700020 | Plates, Bowls or Cups of Paper Pulp | $12.4M | 11.85% | 93.32% | $1.5M |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4823700000 | Molded or Pressed Articles of Paper Pulp | $7.5M |
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.
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Imports · August 2026
origin
Thailand and Mexico together supply 60% of it. Thailand pays 12.3% duty; Mexico 0.2%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
38.3% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 8.43% of imports for consumption.