Basic heading 31 of 32 in section 3
Derived from the carbonization of coal tar pitch, pitch coke is a dense, high-carbon solid used primarily as a raw material in electrode and refractory manufacturing. Its low sulfur and ash content distinguish it from petroleum coke in applications demanding high electrical conductivity, such as aluminum smelting anodes. Importers should confirm product specifications — particularly fixed carbon content and volatile matter levels — against end-use requirements, as these parameters drive classification and pricing decisions.
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Pitch coke originates from the carbonization of coal tar pitch, a byproduct of coal coking, whereas petroleum coke is a residue of crude oil refining. The distinction matters for SITC and HTS classification: pitch coke falls under coal-derived carbon products, while petroleum coke is classified under petroleum residues. Importers should document the feedstock origin to support correct classification.
The primary end-use is electrode manufacturing — particularly graphite electrodes and anodes for electric arc furnaces and aluminum smelting. Refractory and specialty carbon product manufacturers also consume pitch coke. Because these industries require tightly controlled carbon purity, buyers typically specify fixed carbon content, sulfur levels, and volatile matter in purchase contracts.
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ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
Low of 5 reported months · imports
Low · free accountFewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026 · imports 5 of 12 months reported, exports 2 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
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.