Basic heading 459 of 465 in section 5
Cumene (isopropylbenzene) is produced by alkylating benzene with propylene and serves almost exclusively as the feedstock for the cumene hydroperoxide process, which co-produces phenol and acetone — two of the most widely used industrial chemicals. This highly specific end-use means cumene trade is driven by phenol/acetone plant economics rather than broad solvent demand. Importers should be aware that cumene is flammable and subject to EPA TSCA certification requirements, and its classification is straightforward given its single dominant commercial identity.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Cumene is the precursor for phenol and acetone via the cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) process — these two chemicals are co-produced in a fixed molar ratio. Buyers importing cumene are almost always phenol/acetone producers, and their demand is directly tied to downstream markets for epoxy resins, bisphenol-A, polycarbonate, and solvents. Supply disruptions in cumene can therefore cascade quickly into phenol and acetone availability.
Cumene is a flammable liquid classified as a hazardous material under DOT regulations, requiring proper placarding, packaging, and shipping documentation (including a Safety Data Sheet) for both ocean and overland transport. At US entry, EPA TSCA certification must be filed. Importers should also confirm that storage facilities meet applicable fire code and ventilation requirements for flammable aromatic hydrocarbons.
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Imports · August 2026
origin
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
Low of 1 reported month · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. exported $106K of Cumene.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026 · imports 1 of 12 months reported, exports 5 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.