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SITCSection 5
U.S. exports of inorganic products used as luminophores (SITC 53318) totaled $2.6M in July 2026.
Importers of Inorganic Products Used as Luminophores paid $45K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 17% on $274K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Inorganic Products Used as Luminophores imports of $274K in July 2026 ran 14% below the year-to-date monthly average of $319K.
Last updated: July 2026 dataLuminophores — inorganic substances that emit light upon excitation by UV radiation, electron beams, or other energy sources — are critical inputs for fluorescent lamps, LED phosphors, display screens, security inks, and X-ray imaging systems. The performance specifications for luminophores are highly application-specific: particle size distribution, activator dopant concentration, and emission wavelength must be tightly controlled, making supplier qualification a technically demanding process. Trade in these materials intersects with rare earth supply chains, as many high-performance phosphors incorporate europium, terbium, or cerium compounds.
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16 shipments/mo
Basic heading 426 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 53318 · $274K of $28.9B
Many high-efficiency phosphors — particularly those used in LED lighting and tri-band fluorescent lamps — rely on rare earth activators such as europium, terbium, or cerium for their emission characteristics. Rare earth supply is geographically concentrated, and export controls or supply disruptions from dominant producing countries can directly affect phosphor availability and pricing. Importers should assess supply-chain concentration risk and consider qualification of alternative phosphor chemistries or suppliers as a contingency.
A certificate of analysis specifying the host lattice composition, activator dopant identity and concentration, excitation and emission peak wavelengths, and particle size distribution is essential. This documentation helps distinguish luminophore-grade materials from bulk inorganic chemicals that might otherwise be classified under a different heading, and supports any post-entry audit by CBP regarding the product's primary function and composition.
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Exports · July 2026
destination
Taiwan and India together take 69% 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
$274KYoY · Pro
Exports
$2.6MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.