U.S. imports of Silicon Dioxide (SITC 52237) totaled $24.0M in August 2026, imported from 44 countries.
Importers of Silicon Dioxide paid $4.3M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 18.04% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataSilicon dioxide (SiO₂) — traded in forms ranging from fumed silica and precipitated silica to diatomaceous earth and quartz — serves as a functional filler, anti-caking agent, and reinforcing agent across rubber, coatings, food, and pharmaceutical applications. The physical form and surface treatment of SiO₂ are the primary specification variables: fumed silica commands a significant price premium over precipitated grades due to its high surface area and purity, and the two are not interchangeable in most formulations. Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade silicon dioxide used as an excipient or anti-caking agent is subject to FDA review, while industrial grades require EPA TSCA certification. Crystalline versus amorphous form is also a critical distinction, as crystalline silica carries occupational health exposure obligations under OSHA standards.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
859 import shipments a month
Food-grade silicon dioxide must be accompanied by documentation confirming it meets FDA specifications (21 CFR) for use as a food additive or dietary supplement ingredient, including purity and heavy-metal limits. Industrial-grade material requires EPA TSCA certification but not FDA review. Importers should ensure the commercial invoice and certificate of analysis clearly state the intended grade and end use to avoid admissibility delays.
Crystalline silica (e.g., quartz, cristobalite) is classified as a known human carcinogen by IARC and triggers OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) obligations for downstream handlers, while amorphous silica (fumed or precipitated) does not carry the same regulatory burden. Buyers in the rubber and coatings industries specifically source amorphous grades to avoid these workplace safety compliance requirements.
Basic heading 152 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 52237 · $24.0M of $27.5B
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ImportsExports
Imports
$24.0MYoY · free account
Exports
$20.4MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $304.7M of Silicon Dioxide and exported $251.5M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
China and Japan together supply 51% of it. China pays 37.9% duty; India 7.9%.
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.