SITCSection 3

Lignite (Excluding Jet), Non-Agglomerated

Name: Lignite (Excluding Jet), Non-Agglomerated (SITC 32221) -- U.S. Import Data
Creator: U.S. Census Bureau
License: https://www.census.gov/about/policies/open-gov/open-data.html

SITC 32221Basic heading5-digit

U.S. imports · July 2026: $1.4M; YTD $9.6M

U.S. exports · July 2026: $461K

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U.S. imports of lignite (excluding jet), non-agglomerated (SITC 32221) totaled $1.4M in July 2026, traded with 2 countries.

Last updated: July 2026 data

Lignite, also called brown coal, is the lowest-rank solid fossil fuel, characterized by high moisture content and relatively low calorific value, which limits its economic transport range and concentrates its use near mine-mouth power plants. The explicit exclusion of jet — a compact, gem-quality form of lignite used in jewelry — narrows this heading to bulk energy-grade material. Because lignite's high moisture content makes long-distance shipping uneconomical, international trade volumes are modest compared to bituminous coal, and import activity into the US is limited.

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42 shipments/mo

12-month trend

ImportsExports

Imports

$1.4MYoY · Pro

Exports

$461KYoY · Pro

12-mo low · imports

YoY · Pro

$1.7M$0

June 2025December 2025July 2026

Through July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

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Basic heading 23 of 32 in section 3

Share of section 3 imports0.0074%

Basic heading 32221 · $1.4M of $19.0B

Where it comes from, where it lands, what it pays

Imports · July 2026

Countries

origin

Canada and Ireland together supply 100% of it.

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Districts

customs district

Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.

States

destination

Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.

Ports

entry

Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is jet excluded from the lignite coal headings?

Jet is a compact, black variety of lignite that has been used for centuries as a gemstone and decorative material. Its end use, value, and trade characteristics are entirely different from bulk energy-grade lignite, so it is classified separately — typically under headings for precious or semi-precious stones — rather than with mineral fuels.

What practical factors limit US imports of non-agglomerated lignite?

Lignite's high inherent moisture — often 25–65% by weight — dramatically reduces its energy density and makes ocean freight costs prohibitive relative to its calorific value. As a result, lignite is almost exclusively consumed near its extraction point, and US import volumes under this heading are typically negligible compared to bituminous coal or petroleum products.