Loading...
SITCSection 2
U.S. imports of bentonite (SITC 27827) totaled $1.6M in April 2026, traded with 16 countries.
Importers of Bentonite paid $72K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 6.4% on $1.1M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Bentonite imports of $1.6M in April 2026 ran 10% above the year-to-date monthly average of $1.4M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataBentonite is a swelling smectite clay whose exceptional water-absorption and gel-forming properties make it indispensable as a drilling fluid additive in oil and gas well construction, a binder in iron ore pelletizing, a sealant in geotechnical and environmental containment applications, and a clarifying agent in wine and food processing. Sodium bentonite (predominantly from Wyoming-type deposits) swells far more than calcium bentonite, and this distinction drives both pricing and end-use suitability. The US is a major global producer and exporter of sodium bentonite, so import flows are typically driven by proximity logistics or calcium-bentonite demand for specific industrial uses.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Sodium bentonite swells up to 15 times its dry volume when hydrated, producing the high-viscosity, low-permeability gels required for rotary drilling fluids and borehole sealing. Calcium bentonite swells much less and is generally unsuitable for drilling-grade applications without activation (treatment with soda ash). Buyers specifying API-grade drilling bentonite should confirm the sodium content and swell index in the certificate of analysis.
Bentonite used as a fining agent in wine, juice, or edible oil processing must meet food-grade purity standards and is subject to FDA review as a food additive or GRAS substance. Importers supplying food-processing customers should obtain food-grade certificates and verify that the material complies with applicable FDA specifications. Consulting a licensed customs broker and reviewing FDA guidance is advisable before entry.
Supplier Network
Get discovered by U.S. importers searching for HS 27827 — Bentonite. Be the first supplier listed.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANADA | $46K | $3.1M | +$3.0M |
| MEXICO | $399K | $1.4M | +$977K |
| CHINA | $714K | $931K | +$217K |
| JAPAN | $6K | $1.4M | +$1.4M |
| KOREA, SOUTH | $7K | $767K | +$761K |
Monthly import values over time