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SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of inorganic products used as luminophores (SITC 53318) totaled $434K in April 2026, traded with 11 countries.
Importers of Inorganic Products Used as Luminophores paid $72K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 17% on $434K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Inorganic Products Used as Luminophores imports of $434K in April 2026 ran 12% above the year-to-date monthly average of $389K.
Last updated: April 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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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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Monthly import values over time