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SITCSection 5
U.S. exports of ethylene (SITC 51111) totaled $51.4M in July 2026.
Importers of Ethylene paid $9K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 9.0% on $100K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Ethylene imports of $100K in July 2026 ran 600% above the year-to-date monthly average of $14K.
Last updated: July 2026 dataEthylene is the highest-volume petrochemical feedstock in global trade, serving as the foundational building block for polyethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, vinyl chloride, and a wide range of downstream plastics and chemical intermediates. US production — largely from shale-derived ethane cracking — has made the country a net exporter rather than a significant importer of ethylene, so import flows under this heading tend to reflect regional supply disruptions or specialty-grade sourcing rather than structural demand. Because ethylene is a flammable gas transported under pressure, shipments are subject to DOT hazardous materials regulations and require appropriate UN packaging and placarding.
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10 shipments/mo
US ethylene imports are relatively uncommon and typically occur during domestic supply disruptions — such as Gulf Coast hurricane-related cracker outages — or when a specific purity grade or isotopically labeled variant is unavailable domestically. Pipeline connectivity and cryogenic tanker logistics also constrain import options, making spot imports logistically complex compared to domestic procurement.
Ethylene is classified as a flammable gas (UN 1962 for refrigerated liquid, UN 1038 for liquefied) under DOT 49 CFR hazmat regulations. Imports must comply with packaging, labeling, placarding, and shipping paper requirements. Ocean shipments are additionally governed by IMDG Code provisions. Importers should coordinate with a freight forwarder experienced in cryogenic or pressurized gas logistics.
ImportsExports
Imports
$100KYoY · Pro
Exports
$51.4MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Exports · July 2026
destination
China and Italy together take 58% of it.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
origin
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
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