U.S. exports of Surface Active Agents (NAICS 325613) (NAICS 325613) totaled $205.4M in August 2026.
Importers of Surface Active Agents (NAICS 325613) paid $10.1M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 6.59% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Surface Active Agents (NAICS 325613) imports of $153.6M in August 2026 ran 12% above the year-to-date monthly average of $137.6M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataSurfactants — including anionic, cationic, nonionic, and amphoteric types — are foundational industrial chemicals used as emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersants across detergent, agricultural, textile, and oilfield applications. Under the HTS, surface-active preparations are classified primarily under heading 3402, with subdivisions distinguishing between organic surface-active agents not put up for retail sale and finished preparations. Many surfactant imports, particularly from China, are subject to Section 301 tariffs, and the chemical-specific classification can be technically demanding when a product contains multiple surfactant types.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
8.9K import shipments a month
A single organic surface-active agent in its pure or technical-grade form is typically classified under HTS 3402.11 or 3402.12, while a formulated mixture containing surfactants along with other ingredients (builders, solvents, fragrances) is classified as a preparation under 3402.20 or 3402.90. The distinction affects duty rates and, for Chinese-origin goods, which Section 301 list applies.
Certain novel surfactant chemistries may require a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) certification at entry, confirming the substance is either on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory or subject to an applicable exemption. Importers should verify TSCA status for any surfactant not previously imported into the US, as non-compliant shipments can be refused entry by EPA.
National industry 2 of 3 in naics industry 32561
National industry 325613 · $205.4M of $579.7M
Trade Directory
List your company and tag the 6-digit products you trade, so the companies trading them can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
Exports · August 2026
destination
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
origin
Census publishes state breakdowns for NAICS to the 4-digit level only. See NAICS 3256 for those.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$153.6MYoY · free account
Exports
$205.4MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $1.6B of Surface Active Agents (NAICS 325613) and exported $2.4B.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.