Unexpanded Vermiculite, Perlite, and Chlorites

Unexpanded vermiculite and perlite are thermally expandable minerals traded in their raw, unprocessed form — expansion typically occurs at the destination facility, which affects how they are classified relative to their expanded counterparts under Chapter 68. Both minerals serve the horticulture, construction, and refractory industries, and their classification as 'unexpanded' is a critical distinction that determines the applicable tariff line (2530100000). Greece leads US imports under this heading, followed by South Africa and Uganda, reflecting the geographic concentration of commercially viable perlite and vermiculite deposits.