Loading...
SITCSection 2
U.S. imports of unexpanded vermiculite, perlite & chlorites (SITC 27898) totaled $759K in April 2026, traded with 10 countries.
Importers of Unexpanded Vermiculite, Perlite & Chlorites paid $66K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $625K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Unexpanded Vermiculite, Perlite & Chlorites imports of $759K in April 2026 ran 57% below the year-to-date monthly average of $1.8M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataVermiculite and perlite in their unexpanded, raw mineral form are classified here — a critical distinction from the expanded, heat-treated versions that are classified as processed mineral products. Unexpanded perlite is a volcanic glass imported primarily for domestic expansion at US processing facilities, where controlled heating causes it to expand up to twenty times its original volume for use in horticultural media, construction insulation, and filtration. Unexpanded vermiculite similarly requires thermal processing before reaching its familiar lightweight, layered form used in horticulture, fireproofing, and packaging.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Unexpanded perlite and vermiculite are raw mineral feedstocks that have not yet undergone the high-temperature expansion process. Once expanded, they are classified as processed mineral products under different headings. Importers receiving material that has been partially or fully expanded at origin should verify the correct classification with a licensed customs broker, as the physical state at time of importation determines the applicable heading.
Certain vermiculite deposits — most notably the Libby, Montana source — were historically associated with naturally occurring asbestiform amphibole minerals. While that specific domestic source is no longer commercially active, importers sourcing vermiculite from any origin should request supplier documentation confirming the deposit has been tested and found free of asbestiform contamination, both for regulatory compliance and downstream customer requirements.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANADA | -- | $553K | +$553K |
| GREECE | $458K | -- | -$458K |
| MEXICO | $119K | $34K | -$85K |
| SOUTH AFRICA | $81K | -- | -$81K |
| KENYA | $59K | -- | -$59K |
Supplier Network
Get discovered by U.S. importers searching for HS 27898 — Unexpanded Vermiculite, Perlite & Chlorites. Be the first supplier listed.
Monthly import values over time