Loading...
SITCSection 2
U.S. imports of niobium, tantalum & vanadium ores and concentrates (SITC 28785) totaled $20.3M in July 2026, traded with 6 countries.
Niobium, Tantalum & Vanadium Ores and Concentrates imports of $20.3M in July 2026 ran 175% above the year-to-date monthly average of $7.4M.
Last updated: July 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.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
14 shipments/mo
Basic heading 38 of 239 in section 2
Basic heading 28785 · $20.3M of $3.8B
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.
Supplier Network
Get discovered by U.S. importers searching for HS 28785 — Niobium, Tantalum & Vanadium Ores and Concentrates. Be the first supplier listed.
ImportsExports
Imports
$20.3MYoY · Pro
Exports
$1.8MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · July 2026
origin
Australia and Estonia together supply 100% of it.
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.