SITCSection 5
U.S. exports of polymethyl methacrylate (pmma), primary forms (SITC 57521) totaled $8.9M in July 2026.
Importers of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Primary Forms paid $573K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 14% on $4.0M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Primary Forms imports of $4.7M in July 2026 ran 19% above the year-to-date monthly average of $4.0M.
Basic heading 316 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 57521 · $4.7M of $28.9B
Polymethyl methacrylate — universally known in trade as PMMA or acrylic glass — is an optically transparent thermoplastic traded in primary forms such as pellets, beads, or powder, serving as the upstream feedstock for cast and extruded sheet, optical lenses, automotive lighting, and display applications. PMMA's optical clarity, UV resistance, and weatherability distinguish it from other acrylic polymers and drive a premium pricing tier relative to commodity thermoplastics. Certain PMMA imports have been subject to antidumping scrutiny, and Section 301 tariff exposure applies to imports from specific origins, making landed-cost modeling sensitive to both origin and grade. Molecular weight and light transmission specifications are the primary quality variables that buyers specify in purchase contracts.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
194 shipments/mo
PMMA in primary forms (pellets, powder, beads) is classified as a polymer intermediate, while cast or extruded acrylic sheet is classified as a semi-manufactured plastic article under a different heading. The distinction matters because duty rates, trade remedy exposure, and applicable product standards differ between the two forms. Importers should confirm the physical form and degree of processing before classifying.
For optical-grade applications — lenses, light guides, display panels — buyers typically specify light transmittance (often above 92%), haze level, yellowness index, and molecular weight distribution. These parameters affect both the processing behavior and the final optical performance, and suppliers are generally expected to provide lot-level certificates of analysis confirming these values.
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Exports · July 2026
destination
Mexico and Canada together take 75% 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
$4.7MYoY · Pro
Exports
$8.9MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.