HSChapter 28
U.S. imports of rare gases other than argon (helium, neon, and others) (HS 280429) totaled $13.3M in April 2026, traded with 21 countries.
Importers of Rare Gases Other Than Argon (Helium, Neon, and Others) paid $417K in duties in April 2026 โ an effective duty rate of 5.3% on $7.9M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Rare Gases Other Than Argon (Helium, Neon, and Others) imports of $13.3M in April 2026 ran 12% below the year-to-date monthly average of $15.1M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataHeading 280429 covers the non-argon noble gases โ helium, neon, krypton, and xenon โ 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 โ critical for semiconductor laser lithography โ 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 โ verify before relying on it.
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 โ 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.
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Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOREA, SOUTH | $19K | $18.9M | +$18.9M |
| TAIWAN | $35K | $18.6M | +$18.6M |
| JAPAN | -- | $14.1M | +$14.1M |
| CHINA | $439K | $13.3M | +$12.9M |
| CANADA | $6.0M | $2.1M | -$3.9M |
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2804290010 | HELIUM | $13.0M | 4.46% | $336K |
| 2804290055 | OTHER RARE GASES, NESOI | $326K | 23.64% | $77K |
| 2804290030 | OTH RARE GAS,ISOTOPICALLY PURE RARE GAS PRTY=>99% | $15K | 28.70% | $4K |
| 2804290020 | OTHER RARE GASES, NEON | $0 | -- | -- |
HELIUM
OTHER RARE GASES, NESOI
OTH RARE GAS,ISOTOPICALLY PURE RARE GAS PRTY=>99%
OTHER RARE GASES, NEON
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2804290010 | HELIUM | $88.8M |
| 2804290050 | OTHER RARE GASES | $2.8M |
HELIUM
5.2K km3
OTHER RARE GASES
682 km3
URANIUM ENRICHED IN U235 ETC. PLUTONIUM ETC.
HS 284420
NATURAL URANIUM & COMPOUNDS, ALLOYS & CERAMICS ETC
HS 284410
ANHYDROUS AMMONIA
HS 281410
ALLOYS, DISPERSIONS,ISOTOPES & COMPOUNDS NES
HS 284443
SILICON, UNDER 99.99% (BY WEIGHT) SILICON
HS 280469
PHOSPHORIC ACID AND POLYPHOSPHORIC ACIDS
HS 280920
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $664K | $28.4M | +$27.8M |
| Kansas | $4.7M | $21.1M | +$16.3M |
| Texas | $2.1M | $19.2M | +$17.1M |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $1.1M | $33.1M | +$31.9M |
| LONG BEACH, CA | $35K | $24.8M | +$24.7M |
| OAKLAND, CA | -- | $14.2M | +$14.2M |