U.S. imports of Natural Sands Other Than Silica and Quartz Sands (SITC 27339) totaled $2.5M in August 2026, imported from 23 countries.
Importers of Natural Sands Other Than Silica and Quartz Sands paid $41K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 1.66% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataNatural sands outside the silica and quartz category — including calcareous, feldspathic, and heavy-mineral sands such as zircon, ilmenite, and rutile sands — serve specialized industrial roles in ceramics, refractory manufacturing, and titanium feedstock production. The distinction from silica and quartz sands is critical at classification: the mineralogical composition of the sand, not its physical form, determines heading assignment. Heavy-mineral sands in particular may carry strategic-mineral significance and attract scrutiny regarding country of origin.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
125 import shipments a month
Classification hinges on mineralogical composition. Silica and quartz sands are predominantly SiO₂, while 'other' natural sands contain significant proportions of other minerals — calcium carbonate, feldspar, or heavy minerals like zircon and ilmenite. Laboratory analysis or a manufacturer's certificate of composition is typically used to support the correct heading. A licensed customs broker can advise on documentation requirements.
Ceramics and refractory manufacturers use feldspathic and calcareous sands as fluxing agents. Titanium pigment and metal producers depend on ilmenite and rutile sands as feedstock. Zircon sand is a key input for zirconium chemicals and advanced ceramics. Each end use has distinct purity and particle-size requirements that drive supplier selection.
Basic heading 110 of 239 in section 2
Basic heading 27339 · $2.5M of $3.8B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
Canada and Turkey together supply 92% of it. China pays 37.5% duty; Canada 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.
ImportsExports
Imports
$2.5MYoY · free account
Exports
$1.6MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $30.2M of Natural Sands Other Than Silica and Quartz Sands and exported $16.9M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.