U.S. imports of Toluene (SITC 33523) totaled $8.1M in August 2026, imported from 11 countries.
Importers of Toluene paid $414K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 3.23% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Toluene imports of $8.1M in August 2026 ran 62% below the year-to-date monthly average of $21.4M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataToluene — the mono-methyl derivative of benzene — serves dual roles as a high-octane gasoline blending component and as a chemical feedstock for TDI (toluene diisocyanate), benzene via hydrodealkylation, and solvents across coatings, adhesives, and printing ink industries. Its classification as a VOC under EPA regulations means that imports destined for solvent applications may be subject to state-level air quality restrictions that affect end-use marketability. Toluene's octane value also makes it a target for fuel-blending arbitrage, and importers should ensure that fuel-grade toluene meets applicable EPA Tier 3 fuel standards.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
17 import shipments a month
Yes. Toluene destined for solvent applications is subject to EPA VOC regulations and may face state-level restrictions under air quality programs such as California's CARB rules. Fuel-grade toluene used as a gasoline blendstock must meet EPA Tier 3 fuel sulfur and other specifications. Importers should document intended end use clearly, as this affects both regulatory compliance and applicable standards.
Toluene is a direct feedstock for toluene diisocyanate (TDI), a key raw material in flexible polyurethane foam for furniture and automotive seating. Demand from TDI producers creates a distinct industrial buyer segment separate from solvent and fuel markets, and supply disruptions in toluene can cascade into TDI and downstream foam pricing. Importers serving chemical producers should monitor integrated petrochemical plant operating rates as a demand signal.
Basic heading 18 of 32 in section 3
Basic heading 33523 · $8.1M of $21.4B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
Taiwan and South Korea together supply 95% of it. Taiwan pays 10.0% duty; South Korea 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
$8.1MYoY · free account
Exports
$30KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $184.0M of Toluene and exported $2.3M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.