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SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of salicylic acid & its salts and esters (SITC 51393) totaled $7.0M in April 2026, traded with 13 countries.
Importers of Salicylic Acid & Its Salts and Esters paid $1.0M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 18% on $5.6M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataSalicylic acid occupies a dual commercial role as both a pharmaceutical active ingredient (keratolytic agent in dermatology) and a chemical intermediate for aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and other salicylate esters. Its salts — notably sodium salicylate — and esters such as methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) each have distinct regulatory and end-use profiles. Shipments intended for pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drug use are subject to FDA review, and importers should verify that the supplier holds appropriate drug-establishment registration and that the material meets USP or equivalent pharmacopeial specifications.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Yes, methyl salicylate is an ester of salicylic acid and is classified under this heading. When used as a pharmaceutical or flavoring agent, it is subject to FDA oversight. High-concentration methyl salicylate products are also subject to child-resistant packaging requirements under CPSC rules when sold at retail, a consideration that affects finished-product importers more than bulk chemical importers.
USP-grade salicylic acid is required for pharmaceutical and OTC drug applications and must meet strict limits on heavy metals, related substances, and residual solvents. Technical-grade material used in dye or rubber chemical synthesis has looser specifications. Importers should specify the grade contractually and obtain a certificate of analysis for each lot, as mixing grades can create compliance liability if pharmaceutical-use material fails USP testing.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERMANY | $2.1M | $45K | -$2.0M |
| FRANCE | $1.1M | $6K | -$1.1M |
| CHINA | $944K | $21K | -$923K |
| MEXICO | $867K | $69K | -$798K |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $580K | $11K | -$569K |
Monthly import values over time