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SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters (SITC 51376) totaled $8.8M in April 2026, traded with 25 countries.
Importers of Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Their Salts and Esters paid $1.2M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 15% on $7.8M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Their Salts and Esters imports of $8.8M in April 2026 ran 19% above the year-to-date monthly average of $7.3M.
Last updated: April 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.
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.
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Monthly import values over time