SITCSection 5
U.S. exports of hydrogen, rare gases, nitrogen, and oxygen (SITC 52221) totaled $88.7M in July 2026.
Importers of Hydrogen, Rare Gases, Nitrogen, and Oxygen paid $304K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 7.8% on $3.9M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Hydrogen, Rare Gases, Nitrogen, and Oxygen imports of $21.1M in July 2026 ran 17% below the year-to-date monthly average of $25.4M.
Last updated: July 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.
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841 shipments/mo
Basic heading 167 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 52221 · $21.1M of $28.9B
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.
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Exports · July 2026
destination
Taiwan and Korea, South together take 41% 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.
ImportsExports
Imports
$21.1MYoY · Pro
Exports
$88.7MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.