Harmonized System
U.S. exports of Rare Gases Other Than Argon (Helium, Neon, and Others) (HS 280429) totaled $75.7M in August 2026.
Importers of Rare Gases Other Than Argon (Helium, Neon, and Others) paid $196K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 1.78% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Rare Gases Other Than Argon (Helium, Neon, and Others) imports of $11.0M in August 2026 ran 16% below the year-to-date monthly average of $13.0M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataHeading 280429 covers the non-argon noble gases — helium, neon, krypton, and xenon — each with distinct supply chains and strategic importance. The US schedule subdivides the heading into helium (2804290010), neon (2804290020), isotopically pure rare gases at 99%+ purity (2804290030), and other rare gases (2804290050 and 2804290055). Canada and Qatar are the leading suppliers, reflecting helium's origin in natural gas processing, while neon — critical for semiconductor laser lithography — has historically sourced heavily from Ukraine-based air-separation plants, creating well-documented supply-concentration risk. Importers of isotopically pure rare gases should pay particular attention to the purity threshold that triggers classification under 2804290030.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
103 import shipments a month
Line 2804290030 applies to isotopically pure rare gases with a purity of 99% or greater by isotopic composition. This is a distinct concept from chemical purity — it refers to the isotopic uniformity of the gas, which matters for nuclear, medical imaging, and scientific applications. Importers of isotopically enriched krypton-85, xenon-136, or similar products should confirm isotopic purity documentation to support correct classification.
Neon used in semiconductor excimer laser lithography has historically been produced as a byproduct of steel-industry air separation in Eastern Europe, creating a concentrated supply base. Disruptions to that region's industrial output have prompted chipmakers and gas distributors to accelerate diversification toward US domestic production and alternative international sources. Importers relying on neon for semiconductor manufacturing should maintain multi-source supply agreements and strategic inventory buffers.
Subheading 2 of 11 in heading 2804
Subheading 280429 · $75.7M of $175.9M
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 280429 — Rare Gases Other Than Argon (Helium, Neon, and Others), 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2804290010 | Helium | $9.0M | 1.02% | 27.57% | $92K |
| 2804290055 | Other Rare Gases, NESOI | $2.0M | 5.18% | 100.00% | $102K |
| 2804290020 | Other Rare Gases, Neon | $6K | 28.70% | 100.00% | $2K |
| 2804290030 | Oth Rare Gas, Isotopically Pure Rare Gas Prty=>99% | $5K | 3.70% | 100.00% | $180 |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2804290010 | Helium | $73.9M |
| 2804290050 | Other Rare Gases | $1.8M |
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.
ImportsExports
Imports
$11.0MYoY · free account
Exports
$75.7MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $141.2M of Rare Gases Other Than Argon (Helium, Neon, and Others) and exported $742.0M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Exports · August 2026
destination
Taiwan and South Korea together take 44% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
59.4% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 1.78% of imports for consumption.