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SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of colloidal precious metals; precious metal compounds and amalgams (SITC 52432) totaled $36.4M in April 2026, traded with 24 countries.
Importers of Colloidal Precious Metals; Precious Metal Compounds and Amalgams paid $779K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 4.6% on $16.8M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Colloidal Precious Metals; Precious Metal Compounds and Amalgams imports of $36.4M in April 2026 ran 93% above the year-to-date monthly average of $18.9M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataColloidal gold and silver dispersions, organometallic precious metal compounds, and amalgams occupy a specialized niche at the intersection of electronics, catalysis, and medical device manufacturing — colloidal gold is used in diagnostic test kits and nanotechnology, while platinum-group-metal compounds serve as homogeneous catalyst precursors in pharmaceutical synthesis. Classification precision is critical because the heading spans both chemically defined compounds (with fixed stoichiometry) and preparations that are not chemically defined, and the precious metal content drives significant value for customs valuation purposes. Amalgams, though declining in dental use, remain classifiable here when composed of precious metals.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Customs value is based on the transaction value (price actually paid or payable) at the time of importation, which for precious metal compounds typically reflects the spot price of the contained metal plus processing and conversion costs. Importers should retain documentation — such as price confirmation tied to a recognized metals exchange — to substantiate the declared value if CBP questions it.
A chemically defined compound has a fixed, reproducible molecular formula and composition (e.g., chloroplatinic acid, H₂PtCl₆). Preparations described by a range of compositions, or mixtures of precious metal species, are 'not chemically defined.' Both fall within this heading, but the distinction may matter for specific HTS subheading placement and should be confirmed against the supplier's technical specification.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEXICO | -- | $78.0M | +$78.0M |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $25.4M | $1.6M | -$23.8M |
| SOUTH AFRICA | $4.7M | $9.2M | +$4.6M |
| SINGAPORE | -- | $11.2M | +$11.2M |
| VIETNAM | -- | $9.1M | +$9.1M |
Monthly import values over time
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