U.S. imports of Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Their Salts and Esters (SITC 51376) totaled $10.4M in August 2026, imported from 26 countries.
Importers of Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Their Salts and Esters paid $1.4M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 13.01% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Their Salts and Esters imports of $10.4M in August 2026 ran 26% above the year-to-date monthly average of $8.3M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataPalmitic and stearic acids are long-chain saturated fatty acids derived primarily from palm oil and animal tallow, and their salts and esters underpin a wide range of industrial applications — from metallic stearates used as PVC stabilizers and rubber processing aids to glyceryl stearate in cosmetics and food emulsification. Calcium stearate, zinc stearate, and magnesium stearate are among the most widely traded derivatives. Supply of palm-derived variants is closely linked to Southeast Asian palm oil production cycles, and sustainability certification (RSPO) is increasingly a procurement requirement for downstream manufacturers. Classification at the HTS level can depend on whether the product is a single acid or a commercial mixture.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
235 import shipments a month
Stearic acid derived from palm stearin is closely tied to Southeast Asian palm oil production and refining capacity. Seasonal harvest cycles, export policy changes in major producing countries, and RSPO sustainability certification requirements can all create price volatility and lead-time variability, making forward contracting and supplier diversification important risk-management tools.
Commercial stearic acid is often a mixture of palmitic and stearic acids in varying ratios (e.g., 50/50 or 70/30 stearic/palmitic). Classification depends on the predominant acid and the specific composition declared. Importers should provide a certificate of analysis showing the fatty acid profile to support correct classification and avoid disputes at entry.
Basic heading 254 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 51376 · $10.4M of $27.5B
Imports · August 2026
origin
Indonesia and Malaysia together supply 55% of it. India pays 14.9% duty; Canada 0.1%.
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.
Trade Directory
List your company and tag the 6-digit products you trade, so the companies trading them can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
ImportsExports
Imports
$10.4MYoY · free account
Exports
$5.2MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $93.8M of Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Their Salts and Esters and exported $71.5M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.