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SITCSection 2
U.S. imports of isoprene rubber (ir) in primary forms (SITC 23216) totaled $1.9M in April 2026, traded with 11 countries.
Importers of Isoprene Rubber (IR) in Primary Forms paid $191K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $1.9M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Isoprene Rubber (IR) in Primary Forms imports of $1.9M in April 2026 ran 37% above the year-to-date monthly average of $1.4M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataSynthetic isoprene rubber (IR) is the closest synthetic analog to natural rubber, sharing the same cis-1,4-polyisoprene structure and offering a consistent, latex-free alternative for applications where natural rubber's biological variability or protein allergen content is a concern. IR is used in medical devices, adhesives, and high-performance tire compounds where batch-to-batch consistency is valued over the cost advantage of natural rubber. Because IR competes directly with natural rubber on a technical basis, its import volumes tend to be sensitive to natural rubber price cycles and supply disruptions from Southeast Asian growing regions.
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From a customs classification standpoint, IR and natural rubber are distinct materials and classify under different headings. However, in many compounding applications they are technically interchangeable, and finished goods made from IR may carry the same end-use classification as those made from natural rubber. Importers should document the polymer type clearly to support accurate classification of both the raw material and any downstream articles.
Natural rubber latex contains proteins that can trigger Type I hypersensitivity reactions in sensitized patients. Synthetic IR, being protein-free, eliminates this allergen risk while maintaining comparable mechanical properties. This makes IR a preferred material for pharmaceutical stoppers, syringe plungers, and medical tubing where latex-free certification is required.
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Monthly import values over time