U.S. exports of Aqueous Paints & Varnishes Based on Synthetic Polymers (SITC 53341) totaled $96.2M in August 2026.
Importers of Aqueous Paints & Varnishes Based on Synthetic Polymers paid $2.9M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 7.01% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Aqueous Paints & Varnishes Based on Synthetic Polymers imports of $41.1M in August 2026 ran 11% above the year-to-date monthly average of $37.0M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataWater-borne coatings based on synthetic or chemically modified natural polymers—including acrylic, vinyl-acrylic, and styrene-acrylic emulsions—dominate architectural and industrial maintenance markets due to their lower VOC profiles relative to solvent-borne alternatives. Regulatory pressure from EPA air-quality rules has accelerated the shift toward aqueous formulations, making this category a growth segment in both domestic production and import trade. SITC 53341 captures enamels, lacquers, and varnishes in this medium, and importers should be aware that certain Chinese-origin coatings have faced antidumping scrutiny at the HTS level.
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1.7K import shipments a month
EPA VOC limits under the National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards apply to coatings sold in the US market regardless of origin. While VOC content does not change the HTS classification, importers must ensure products meet applicable EPA and state-level VOC standards before distribution. California's CARB rules are often more stringent than federal limits and apply to products sold in that state.
The carrier medium is the defining criterion: aqueous formulations use water as the primary solvent or dispersant, while non-aqueous formulations use organic solvents. This distinction is material at both the SITC and HTS levels, so the technical data sheet or SDS confirming the carrier system is essential supporting documentation for correct classification.
Basic heading 61 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 53341 · $96.2M of $26.2B
Exports · August 2026
destination
Canada and Mexico together take 82% 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.
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ImportsExports
Imports
$41.1MYoY · free account
Exports
$96.2MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $425.1M of Aqueous Paints & Varnishes Based on Synthetic Polymers and exported $1.1B.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.