SITCSection 5

Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene)

Name: Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) (SITC 51133) -- U.S. Export Data
Creator: U.S. Census Bureau
License: https://www.census.gov/about/policies/open-gov/open-data.html

SITC 51133Basic heading5-digit

U.S. imports · July 2026: $83K; YTD $10.7M

U.S. exports · July 2026: $1.0M

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Balance · July 2026: Loading the trade balance

U.S. exports of tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) (SITC 51133) totaled $1.0M in July 2026.

Importers of Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) paid $9K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $83K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) imports of $83K in July 2026 ran 95% below the year-to-date monthly average of $1.5M.

Last updated: July 2026 data

Perchloroethylene — universally known in the dry-cleaning industry as 'perc' — is the dominant solvent for commercial garment cleaning and is also used in industrial degreasing and as a chemical intermediate. EPA regulates it under TSCA and has pursued restrictions on certain consumer and commercial uses, so importers must track evolving use-restriction rules that can affect resale channels. Its high density and low flammability distinguish it from lighter chlorinated solvents in both handling requirements and freight classification.

AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.

6 shipments/mo

12-month trend

ImportsExports

Imports

$83KYoY · Pro

Exports

$1.0MYoY · Pro

12-mo low · imports

YoY · Pro

$3.2M$0

June 2025December 2025July 2026

Through July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

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Basic heading 444 of 465 in section 5

Share of section 5 imports0.0003%

Basic heading 51133 · $83K of $28.9B

Where it comes from, where it lands, what it pays

Exports · July 2026

Countries

destination

Canada and Mexico together take 82% of it.

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Districts

customs district

Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.

States

origin

Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.

Ports

entry

Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there TSCA import certification requirements for perchloroethylene?

Yes. Importers of perchloroethylene must file a TSCA certification with US Customs and Border Protection at the time of entry, certifying either that the chemical complies with TSCA or that it is not subject to TSCA. Failure to certify can result in shipment refusal.

What distinguishes perchloroethylene from trichloroethylene in commercial trade?

Perchloroethylene has four chlorine atoms and is the standard solvent in dry-cleaning machines, while trichloroethylene (three chlorine atoms) is more commonly used in vapor degreasing of metal parts. The two chemicals are separately classified and carry different regulatory risk profiles under EPA's TSCA framework.