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SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of vat dyes and preparations (SITC 53115) totaled $488K in April 2026, traded with 8 countries.
Importers of Vat Dyes and Preparations paid $107K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 22% on $488K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataVat dyes achieve their exceptional wash- and light-fastness through an oxidation-reduction dyeing mechanism: the insoluble pigment is reduced to a soluble 'leuco' form in an alkaline vat, absorbed by the fiber, and then re-oxidized to its insoluble state within the substrate. Indigo — the most commercially significant vat dye — is the defining colorant for denim fabric worldwide, and its trade flows are closely watched by apparel and textile manufacturers. This heading explicitly includes vat dyes usable as pigments, a dual-use characteristic that can create classification ambiguity when the same substance is sold into both textile and printing ink markets.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Indigo and certain other vat dyes can function either as fiber-reactive vat dyes or as insoluble pigments in printing inks and coatings. The heading explicitly captures both uses, so the same chemical substance is correctly classified here regardless of whether the end use is textile dyeing or pigment application — provided it meets the chemical definition of a vat dye.
A commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are standard. Because synthetic indigo is a chemical substance, importers should also confirm TSCA compliance. If the product is imported in bulk liquid form, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and proper hazardous materials labeling under DOT regulations may be required. Country-of-origin documentation is particularly important given Section 301 exposure for Chinese-origin chemical products.
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Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHINA | $340K | -- | -$340K |
| MEXICO | $59K | -- | -$59K |
| CANADA | -- | $55K | +$55K |
| NETHERLANDS | $37K | -- | -$37K |
| INDONESIA | $28K | -- | -$28K |