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SITCSection 3
U.S. imports of coke, semicoke & retort carbon of coal, lignite or peat (SITC 32500) totaled $6.3M in April 2026, traded with 10 countries.
Coke, Semicoke & Retort Carbon of Coal, Lignite or Peat imports of $6.3M in April 2026 ran 14% above the year-to-date monthly average of $5.5M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataMetallurgical coke — produced by high-temperature carbonization of coking-grade bituminous coal — is an essential reducing agent and structural support medium in blast-furnace steelmaking, making this heading a critical input for the US steel industry. The heading also covers semicoke (partially carbonized material used in chemical and fuel applications), char, and retort carbon, reflecting the range of carbonization products derived from coal, lignite, or peat. Petroleum coke, a refinery byproduct, is classified separately and should not be confused with coal-derived coke covered here.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Coal-derived coke (including metallurgical coke, semicoke, and retort carbon) falls under SITC 32500, while petroleum coke — a byproduct of crude oil refining — is classified under the petroleum products headings. The source material (coal, lignite, or peat versus crude oil) is the controlling distinction, and misclassification between the two is a recurring issue given that both products are carbon-rich solids used in industrial processes.
Blast-furnace buyers typically specify coke strength after reaction (CSR), coke reactivity index (CRI), ash content, sulfur content, and size distribution. These parameters directly affect furnace efficiency and hot-metal quality, so certificates of analysis from accredited laboratories are standard commercial documentation for metallurgical coke shipments.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANADA | $35K | $17.4M | +$17.3M |
| MEXICO | -- | $4.6M | +$4.6M |
| UNITED KINGDOM | -- | $4.1M | +$4.1M |
| GABON | -- | $4.0M | +$4.0M |
| COLOMBIA | $3.4M | -- | -$3.4M |
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Monthly import values over time