Standard International Trade Classification
U.S. exports of Inorganic Bases, Metal Oxides, Hydroxides, and Peroxides, N.E.S. (SITC 52269) totaled $136.8M in August 2026.
Importers of Inorganic Bases, Metal Oxides, Hydroxides, and Peroxides, N.E.S. paid $3.0M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 4.29% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Inorganic Bases, Metal Oxides, Hydroxides, and Peroxides, N.E.S. imports of $67.8M in August 2026 ran 16% below the year-to-date monthly average of $80.8M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataServing as a residual catch-all for inorganic bases and metal oxygen compounds not enumerated elsewhere, this heading encompasses a commercially diverse range of materials — from lithium hydroxide used in battery electrolytes and lubricating greases to cobalt and nickel oxides used in ceramics and catalysts. The 'not elsewhere specified' character of the heading means that classification disputes are common: importers must demonstrate that the specific compound does not fall under a more specific heading before claiming this residual category. Lithium hydroxide in particular has attracted significant trade attention given its role in lithium-ion battery supply chains and associated Section 301 exposure for Chinese-origin material.
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258 import shipments a month
Classification in the NES heading is only appropriate after confirming the compound is not covered by a named heading for aluminum, magnesium, potassium, or other specifically enumerated metals. A licensed customs broker or a binding ruling request to CBP can resolve ambiguous cases, particularly for less common transition-metal hydroxides or mixed-oxide compounds.
Lithium hydroxide monohydrate is a critical input for high-nickel cathode active materials in electric-vehicle batteries, and a significant share of global refining capacity is concentrated in China. Imports of battery-grade lithium hydroxide from China are subject to Section 301 tariffs, prompting manufacturers to evaluate alternative sources in Chile, Australia, and other producing regions to manage cost and supply continuity.
Basic heading 39 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 52269 · $136.8M of $26.2B
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Exports · August 2026
destination
Luxembourg and Japan together take 50% 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
$67.8MYoY · free account
Exports
$136.8MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $972.3M of Inorganic Bases, Metal Oxides, Hydroxides, and Peroxides, N.E.S. and exported $1.1B.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.