U.S. imports of Tartaric Acid (HS 291812) totaled $2.2M in August 2026, imported from 9 countries.
Importers of Tartaric Acid paid $297K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 13.81% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Tartaric Acid imports of $2.2M in August 2026 ran 18% below the year-to-date monthly average of $2.6M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataTartaric acid (dihydroxysuccinic acid, classified at 2918120000) is a naturally occurring organic acid recovered primarily as a byproduct of wine production, making Italy and Spain the dominant global suppliers and the leading sources for US imports. Its applications span food acidulation, cream of tartar production, pharmaceutical excipients, and specialty chemical synthesis. Because wine-grape harvest volumes directly influence tartaric acid availability, importers should factor vintage-year variability into procurement planning. Food- and pharmaceutical-grade shipments are subject to FDA admissibility review at the port of entry.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
30 import shipments a month
Since tartaric acid is largely recovered from wine lees and grape marc, a poor harvest in major wine-producing regions — particularly in Italy and Spain — can tighten global supply and push up prices. Importers with consistent volume requirements often secure forward contracts or maintain safety stock to buffer against harvest-driven shortfalls.
Food-grade tartaric acid is subject to FDA prior notice and entry review. Importers generally need a commercial invoice specifying grade and intended use, a certificate of analysis, and the foreign supplier's FDA registration number. Admissibility is complex; working with a licensed customs broker experienced in food chemicals is strongly recommended.
ImportsExports
Imports
$2.2MYoY · free account
Exports
$556KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $27.6M of Tartaric Acid and exported $5.2M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Subheading 11 of 17 in heading 2918
Subheading 291812 · $2.2M of $109.7M
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 291812 — Tartaric Acid, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2918120000 | Tartaric Acid | $2.2M | 13.81% | 99.13% | $297K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2918120000 | Tartaric Acid (Dihydroxysuccinic Acid) | $556K |
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
Italy and China together supply 90% of it. China pays 37.5% duty; India 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
0.9% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 13.81% of imports for consumption.