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SITCSection 2
U.S. imports of niobium, tantalum & vanadium ores and concentrates (SITC 28785) totaled $4.4M in April 2026, traded with 5 countries.
Niobium, Tantalum & Vanadium Ores and Concentrates imports of $4.4M in April 2026 ran 12% below the year-to-date monthly average of $4.9M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataColumbite-tantalite (coltan) and vanadinite are among the principal ore minerals grouped under this heading, each feeding distinct downstream industries: niobium into high-strength steel microalloying, tantalum into capacitors and electronics, and vanadium into vanadium redox flow batteries and tool steels. Tantalum supply chains attract particular scrutiny under conflict-minerals due-diligence frameworks, as coltan is mined in conflict-affected regions of Central Africa, and US importers sourcing tantalum ores may face supply-chain transparency obligations under Dodd-Frank Section 1502 reporting requirements. Vanadium ore imports, by contrast, are more closely tied to steel-sector demand cycles and battery-storage project pipelines.
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SEC rules implementing Dodd-Frank Section 1502 require certain publicly traded manufacturers to disclose whether tantalum in their products originated from conflict-affected regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo or adjoining countries. While the obligation falls on downstream manufacturers rather than ore importers directly, importers are often asked to provide chain-of-custody documentation and smelter identification to support their customers' compliance filings.
Columbite-tantalite ores contain both niobium (columbium) and tantalum in varying ratios. The dominant metal by weight typically governs classification, but assay certificates showing the Nb:Ta ratio are essential supporting documents. Importers should work with a licensed customs broker to confirm whether a mixed ore falls under the niobium or tantalum subdivision of this heading.
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Monthly import values over time