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HSChapter 48
U.S. imports of semichemical fluting paper (corrugating medium), uncoated, in rolls or sheets (HS 480511) totaled $6.7M in April 2026, traded with 4 countries.
Last updated: April 2026 dataSemichemical fluting paper — the corrugating medium that forms the wavy inner layer of corrugated board — is produced by a combined mechanical and chemical pulping process that yields a stiff, lightweight sheet optimized for flute formation. Canada is the dominant US supplier under this heading, with Finland and Poland also contributing, reflecting North American integration and Scandinavian pulp-industry capacity. Classified under a single US tariff line (4805110000), this product is a foundational input for the corrugated packaging industry, and supply disruptions directly affect box-plant production schedules. Buyers typically specify flute grade (A, B, C, E) and basis weight in purchase contracts, though those distinctions are not further subdivided at the 10-digit level.
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Semichemical pulping combines a partial chemical treatment (typically neutral sulfite) with mechanical refining to partially dissolve lignin before the fibers are mechanically separated. This hybrid process produces a stiffer, higher-yield sheet than fully chemical kraft pulp, which is the key technical characteristic that distinguishes semichemical fluting from other corrugating media under Chapter 48.
Yes. Canadian mills can supply US box plants via truck or rail with shorter lead times and lower freight costs than overseas suppliers, which is particularly important for a bulky, low-value-per-ton commodity like corrugating medium. This proximity also reduces the working capital tied up in transit inventory, making Canada the structurally dominant source for this heading.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEXICO | -- | $10.3M | +$10.3M |
| CANADA | $5.5M | $1.2M | -$4.3M |
| COSTA RICA | -- | $2.7M | +$2.7M |
| FINLAND | $1.1M | -- | -$1.1M |
| EL SALVADOR | -- | $1.1M | +$1.1M |
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Monthly import values over time