Standard International Trade Classification
U.S. exports of Nitric Acid & Sulfonitric Acids (SITC 52233) totaled $2.1M in August 2026.
Importers of Nitric Acid & Sulfonitric Acids paid $96K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 7.39% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Nitric Acid & Sulfonitric Acids imports of $1.3M in August 2026 ran 53% above the year-to-date monthly average of $853K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataNitric acid is a primary feedstock for nitrogen-based explosives, fertilizers (notably ammonium nitrate), and specialty chemicals, while sulfonitric acids (mixed acids of nitric and sulfuric acid) are widely used in nitration reactions in the pharmaceutical and dye industries. Because nitric acid and its mixtures are dual-use chemicals with potential explosive precursor applications, importers may face additional scrutiny under Commerce Department export-control frameworks when re-exporting, and EPA TSCA certification is required at US entry. Concentration grade — typically expressed as weak (below 70%) or concentrated/fuming — is a key specification affecting both classification and hazmat transport requirements. Proper UN hazard class documentation and DOT-compliant packaging are mandatory for all shipments.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
64 import shipments a month
Nitric acid is recognized internationally as a chemical weapons precursor and is listed under the Chemical Weapons Convention schedules. While import into the US is not generally prohibited, re-export may trigger Commerce Department (BIS) licensing requirements, and importers should review end-use and end-user obligations carefully.
Nitric acid below approximately 70% concentration is classified under a different UN hazard packing group than fuming or concentrated nitric acid. The concentration percentage must be accurately declared on the bill of lading and customs entry, as misclassification can result in both regulatory penalties and serious safety incidents during transport.
Basic heading 351 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 52233 · $2.1M of $26.2B
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Exports · August 2026
destination
Canada and Mexico together take 76% of it.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
origin
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$1.3MYoY · free account
Exports
$2.1MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $10.2M of Nitric Acid & Sulfonitric Acids and exported $20.1M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.