U.S. imports of Expansible (Expandable) Polystyrene in Primary Forms (SITC 57211) totaled $28.7M in August 2026, imported from 19 countries.
Importers of Expansible (Expandable) Polystyrene in Primary Forms paid $440K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 1.53% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataExpansible polystyrene — commercially known as EPS — is distinguished from standard polystyrene by the incorporation of a blowing agent (typically pentane) that allows the beads to expand into lightweight foam when exposed to steam. EPS is the dominant material for protective packaging, insulated food-service containers, and building insulation board. Import volumes are sensitive to construction activity and packaging demand cycles, and the product's low bulk density relative to its value can make freight economics a significant factor in sourcing decisions.
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694 import shipments a month
The presence of an incorporated blowing agent (such as pentane) is the defining characteristic. Importers should provide a technical data sheet or safety data sheet confirming the blowing agent content; without it, CBP may classify the material as non-expansible polystyrene, which carries a different heading.
EPS beads containing pentane are subject to flammability and hazardous materials transport regulations (DOT/IATA), which affect packaging and labeling requirements during shipment. Some US states also have restrictions on EPS food-service products, though those apply at the finished-article stage rather than at import of the raw resin.
Basic heading 135 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 57211 · $28.7M of $27.5B
Imports · August 2026
origin
Canada and Mexico together supply 88% of it. Bahamas pays 19.0% duty; Mexico 0.0%.
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.
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ImportsExports
Imports
$28.7MYoY · free account
Exports
$7.8MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $353.3M of Expansible (Expandable) Polystyrene in Primary Forms and exported $121.3M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.