Harmonized System
U.S. imports of Mucilages and Thickeners from Vegetable Products (Other) (HS 130239) totaled $10.4M in August 2026, imported from 29 countries.
Importers of Mucilages and Thickeners from Vegetable Products (Other) paid $1.5M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 13.92% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Mucilages and Thickeners from Vegetable Products (Other) imports of $10.4M in August 2026 ran 17% above the year-to-date monthly average of $8.9M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataCarrageenan — extracted from red seaweed species such as Chondrus crispus and Kappaphycus — is the commercially dominant product in this heading and enters under its own dedicated tariff line (1302390010), while other vegetable-derived thickeners not elsewhere classified fall under 1302390090. The Philippines is the leading US supplier, driven by its large-scale Kappaphycus and Eucheuma seaweed farming industry, with Chile a significant secondary source. Carrageenan is widely used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in dairy, processed meats, and infant formula, making FDA food-additive compliance a key entry consideration. Importers should distinguish kappa, iota, and lambda carrageenan types in technical documentation, as functionality and customer specifications vary significantly by type.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
162 import shipments a month
The HTS does not subdivide carrageenan by type — all enter under 1302390010 — but buyers and FDA reviewers may request technical data sheets specifying the carrageenan fraction, gel strength, and viscosity. Including the carrageenan type and intended food application in the commercial invoice and accompanying technical documentation helps avoid examination delays and supports traceability for food-safety purposes.
Carrageenan and other vegetable thickeners from China under heading 130239 may be subject to Section 301 tariffs. Given that the Philippines and Chile are the leading suppliers for this heading, sourcing from those origins avoids Section 301 exposure, though importers should verify current tariff status with a licensed customs broker before finalizing supplier contracts.
Subheading 4 of 9 in heading 1302
Subheading 130239 · $10.4M of $115.2M
Trade Directory
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ImportsExports
Imports
$10.4MYoY · free account
Exports
$3.1MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $104.5M of Mucilages and Thickeners from Vegetable Products (Other) and exported $58.2M.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1302390010 | Carrageenan | $8.6M | 12.46% | 97.50% | $1.1M |
| 1302390090 | Mucilage & Thickner W/N Modified, Frm Veg Prd NESOI | $1.8M | 20.90% | 99.40% | $377K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1302390000 | Mucilage & Thickner W/N Modified, Frm Veg Prd NESOI | $3.1M |
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
Philippines and Spain together supply 44% of it. China pays 23.2% duty; Spain 10.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
2.2% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 13.92% of imports for consumption.