U.S. imports of Coal Tar Pitch (HS 270810) totaled $13.0M in August 2026, imported from 12 countries.
Coal Tar Pitch imports of $13.0M in August 2026 ran 59% above the year-to-date monthly average of $8.1M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataPitch derived from coal tar and other mineral tars — classified under a single tariff line (2708100000) — is the solid or semi-solid residue remaining after distillation of coal tar, and it serves as a critical binder in the production of graphite electrodes, aluminum smelting anodes, and carbon fiber precursors. Canada is the leading supplier to the US, with Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, and Ukraine also among the top sources, reflecting the concentration of coke-oven and coal tar processing in steel-producing regions. Electrode-grade pitch commands a significant quality premium over standard binder pitch, and importers should ensure supplier specifications align with end-user requirements before contracting.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
326 import shipments a month
Electrode-grade pitch typically requires tighter control of softening point (often 110–120°C by Mettler or ring-and-ball method), low quinoline-insoluble content, and controlled beta-resin levels to ensure proper binding and coking behavior during electrode manufacture. Standard binder pitch used in road construction or roofing applications has looser tolerances. Importers supplying the aluminum or steel electrode market should request full analytical certificates and confirm the grade meets the end-user's specification before shipment.
Yes. Coal tar pitch volatiles are classified as a known human carcinogen by IARC and are regulated under OSHA's carcinogen standards. EPA lists coal tar pitch under CERCLA and EPCRA reporting frameworks. Importers and downstream handlers must comply with hazard communication requirements, including proper GHS labeling and Safety Data Sheet distribution, and may have Toxic Release Inventory reporting obligations depending on quantities processed.
Subheading 1 of 2 in heading 2708
Subheading 270810 · $13.0M of $13.0M
ImportsExports
Imports
$13.0MYoY · free account
Exports
$1.7MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $88.5M of Coal Tar Pitch and exported $13.1M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 270810 — Coal Tar Pitch, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2708100000 | Pitch From Coal and Other Mineral Tars | $13.0M | 0.00% | 0.00% |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2708100000 | Pitch From Coal and Other Mineral Tars | $1.7M |
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
Canada and Denmark together supply 90% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
100.0% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 0.00% of imports for consumption.