SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of lead oxides; red lead & orange lead (SITC 52257) totaled $432K in April 2026, traded with 7 countries.
Importers of Lead Oxides; Red Lead & Orange Lead paid $22K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 13% on $171K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Lead Oxides; Red Lead & Orange Lead imports of $432K in April 2026 ran 25% above the year-to-date monthly average of $345K.
Last updated: April 2026 dataLead monoxide (litharge and massicot), red lead (Pb₃O₄), and orange lead are the principal compounds in this heading, used historically in corrosion-inhibiting primers, glass and crystal manufacturing, and battery plate production. Environmental and occupational-health regulations under EPA and OSHA significantly constrain the use of lead compounds in coatings and consumer products in the US, channeling demand primarily toward industrial battery and specialty glass applications. Importers should be aware that lead-containing articles may trigger additional EPA reporting obligations and that end-use restrictions vary by application sector.
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EPA regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Clean Air Act impose reporting and use restrictions on lead compounds, and OSHA's lead standard governs occupational exposure in facilities handling these materials. Importers should confirm that their intended end-use application is not subject to a specific EPA use prohibition before placing orders.
Lead-acid battery manufacturing remains the primary industrial consumer of lead oxides, as lead monoxide is a key input for battery plate paste. Specialty glass and crystal production — where lead oxide improves refractive index — and certain ceramic glazes represent secondary markets, while corrosion-inhibiting paint applications have declined sharply due to environmental restrictions.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | -- | $912K | +$912K |
| MEXICO | $261K | $62K | -$199K |
| CANADA | -- | $256K | +$256K |
| SOUTH AFRICA | $161K | $58K | -$103K |
| CHILE | -- | $51K | +$51K |
Monthly import values over time