SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of hydrogen, rare gases, nitrogen, and oxygen (SITC 52221) totaled $25.5M in April 2026, traded with 25 countries.
Importers of Hydrogen, Rare Gases, Nitrogen, and Oxygen paid $548K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 6.1% on $9.0M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataIndustrial and specialty gases — hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and the rare (noble) gases such as argon, neon, krypton, and xenon — serve as foundational inputs across semiconductor fabrication, metal processing, medical applications, and energy production. Purity grade is the primary commercial differentiator: ultra-high-purity hydrogen and rare gases command significant premiums in electronics manufacturing, while industrial-grade nitrogen and oxygen are bulk commodities. Supply concentration in rare gases, particularly neon and krypton used in laser and chip production, has drawn attention to geopolitical sourcing risks.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Purity grade determines the end-use application and, consequently, the commercial value. Ultra-high-purity grades (e.g., 99.9999% for semiconductor-grade neon) are priced orders of magnitude above industrial grades. While SITC classification does not subdivide by purity, HTS subheadings and commercial invoices must accurately reflect the grade to support correct valuation and duty assessment.
Yes. Compressed and liquefied gases are subject to DOT hazardous materials regulations governing packaging, labeling, and transport. Importers must ensure that cylinders and containers meet DOT or equivalent foreign standards, and that Safety Data Sheets accompany the shipment. Certain gases may also require EPA reporting under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANADA | $16.8M | $4.9M | -$11.9M |
| TAIWAN | $443K | $18.6M | +$18.2M |
| KOREA, SOUTH | $19K | $18.9M | +$18.9M |
| JAPAN | $150K | $14.1M | +$13.9M |
| CHINA | $509K | $13.3M | +$12.8M |
Monthly import values over time
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