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SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of ethylene glycol (ethanediol) (SITC 51221) totaled $14.7M in April 2026, traded with 9 countries.
Importers of Ethylene Glycol (Ethanediol) paid $16K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 15% on $105K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Ethylene Glycol (Ethanediol) imports of $14.7M in April 2026 ran 14% above the year-to-date monthly average of $13.0M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataEthylene glycol is a high-volume petrochemical intermediate whose two dominant end uses — polyester fiber and PET resin production, and automotive antifreeze/coolant formulation — make its trade flows a reliable indicator of downstream manufacturing activity in textiles and plastics. Produced almost exclusively from ethylene oxide, it is traded in monoethylene glycol (MEG), diethylene glycol (DEG), and triethylene glycol (TEG) fractions, each with distinct applications and pricing. MEG is by far the most actively imported fraction, and its price is closely benchmarked against Asian petrochemical spot markets.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is the primary fraction used in PET and polyester production and antifreeze; diethylene glycol (DEG) serves as a plasticizer and humectant; triethylene glycol (TEG) is used in natural gas dehydration and as a solvent. All three fall under SITC 51221, but they are priced and contracted separately in commercial markets, and the specific fraction should be declared on import documentation.
MEG is typically shipped in bulk liquid chemical tankers or ISO tank containers and requires stainless steel or lined carbon steel equipment to prevent contamination. Moisture ingress during transfer is a quality risk, as water content affects downstream polymerization performance. Importers should specify maximum water content and color (APHA scale) in purchase contracts and verify these on the certificate of analysis at arrival.
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Monthly import values over time