SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of formic acid and its salts and esters (SITC 51374) totaled $3.8M in April 2026, traded with 17 countries.
Importers of Formic Acid and Its Salts and Esters paid $481K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 17% on $2.8M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Formic Acid and Its Salts and Esters imports of $3.8M in April 2026 ran 33% above the year-to-date monthly average of $2.8M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataFormic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid and serves as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed, a tanning agent in leather processing, and a reducing agent in textile dyeing. Its calcium and sodium salts are traded as de-icing agents and feed additives, while formate esters find use as solvents and flavoring intermediates. Production is concentrated in a small number of large chemical complexes globally, making supply relatively tight when plant outages occur. Importers should be aware that feed-additive applications may trigger additional regulatory review depending on the end-use declaration.
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When formic acid or its salts are declared for use as feed preservatives or acidifiers, importers may need to provide product specifications, safety data sheets, and in some cases FDA or APHIS documentation depending on the specific formulation and concentration. Consulting a licensed customs broker and confirming the intended end-use declaration before shipment is advisable.
Formic acid is classified as a corrosive material under DOT hazmat regulations, requiring appropriate UN packaging, labeling, and emergency response documentation. Concentration thresholds determine the specific packing group, so shippers must confirm the exact concentration with their logistics provider to ensure compliant transport documentation.
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Monthly import values over time