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HSChapter 29
U.S. imports of tartaric acid (HS 291812) totaled $1.1M in April 2026, traded with 7 countries.
Importers of Tartaric Acid paid $193K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 17% on $1.1M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Tartaric Acid imports of $1.1M in April 2026 ran 16% below the year-to-date monthly average of $1.3M.
Last updated: April 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.
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.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITALY | $789K | -- | -$789K |
| CHINA | $322K | $49K | -$272K |
| MEXICO | -- | $108K | +$108K |
| KOREA, SOUTH | -- | $64K | +$64K |
| CANADA | -- | $50K | +$50K |
Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2918120000 | TARTARIC ACID | $1.1M | 17.15% | $193K |
TARTARIC ACID
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2918120000 | TARTARIC ACID (DIHYDROXYSUCCINIC ACID) | $370K |
TARTARIC ACID (DIHYDROXYSUCCINIC ACID)
73.1K kg
NUCLEIC ACIDS & SALTS; OTHER HETEROCYCLIC CMP, NES
HS 293499
HETEROCYCLIC COMP W NITROGEN HETERO-ATM ONLY NESOI
HS 293399
POLYPEPTIDE PROTEIN& GLYCOPROTEIN HORMONES &DERIV
HS 293719
CMPDS CONT AN UNFUSED PYRIDINE RING ETC NESOI
HS 293339
COMP WITH PYRIMIDINE OR PIPERAZINE RING, NESOI
HS 293359
ANTIBIOTICS, NESOI
HS 294190
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $473K | $15K | -$458K |
| New Jersey | $290K | $3K | -$287K |
| Illinois | $135K | $80K | -$56K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWARK, NJ | $749K | -- | -$749K |
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $135K | $113K | -$22K |
| LONG BEACH, CA | $32K | $76K | +$44K |