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SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of expansible (expandable) polystyrene in primary forms (SITC 57211) totaled $36.2M in July 2026, traded with 19 countries.
Importers of Expansible (Expandable) Polystyrene in Primary Forms paid $831K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 14% on $5.8M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Expansible (Expandable) Polystyrene in Primary Forms imports of $36.2M in July 2026 ran 18% above the year-to-date monthly average of $30.6M.
Last updated: July 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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818 shipments/mo
Basic heading 108 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 57211 · $36.2M of $28.9B
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.
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Imports · July 2026
origin
Mexico and Canada together supply 83% of it.
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.
ImportsExports
Imports
$36.2MYoY · Pro
Exports
$12.8MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.