U.S. imports of Iron Oxides & Hydroxides; Earth Colors (≥70% Fe₂O₃) (SITC 52254) totaled $18.8M in August 2026, imported from 26 countries.
Importers of Iron Oxides & Hydroxides; Earth Colors (≥70% Fe₂O₃) paid $2.0M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 10.90% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Iron Oxides & Hydroxides; Earth Colors (≥70% Fe₂O₃) imports of $18.8M in August 2026 ran 18% above the year-to-date monthly average of $15.9M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataSynthetic and natural iron oxides — covering red, yellow, black, and brown pigment grades — are among the most widely traded inorganic colorants globally, used in construction materials, coatings, plastics, and cosmetics. This heading also captures earth colors where combined iron, evaluated as Fe₂O₃, constitutes 70% or more by weight, a threshold that distinguishes these natural mineral pigments from broader mineral preparations. Purity, particle size, and surface treatment specifications vary significantly between pigment-grade and technical-grade material, and importers should confirm these parameters to support accurate classification and meet end-user quality requirements.
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708 import shipments a month
Earth colors qualify under this heading only when combined iron, evaluated as Fe₂O₃, represents 70% or more of the product's weight. Materials that fall below this threshold, or that are mixed with binders or other pigments into a formulated paint or coating, are typically classified elsewhere — making the iron content certificate a key document at entry.
Iron oxides used as colorants in cosmetics, including makeup and personal care products, are regulated by the FDA as color additives and must be listed and certified for their intended use. Importers supplying cosmetic manufacturers should ensure the product meets FDA purity specifications for color additives, which are distinct from industrial pigment standards.
Basic heading 185 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 52254 · $18.8M of $27.5B
ImportsExports
Imports
$18.8MYoY · free account
Exports
$6.2MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $181.2M of Iron Oxides & Hydroxides; Earth Colors (≥70% Fe₂O₃) and exported $57.3M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
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Imports · August 2026
origin
Germany and China together supply 78% of it. China pays 28.7% duty; Germany 3.7%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.