Standard International Trade Classification
U.S. exports of Vessels & Floating Structures for Breaking Up (Ship Recycling) (SITC 79330) totaled $6K in August 2026, exported to 2 countries.
Last updated: August 2026 dataEnd-of-life vessels and floating structures destined for scrapping occupy a unique trade classification that reflects their commodity value as steel and non-ferrous scrap rather than as functional watercraft. The Basel Convention and the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships govern the transboundary movement of vessels for breaking, imposing notification and consent requirements that affect US-origin vessels sent abroad for recycling. Customs valuation for breaking-up vessels is typically based on scrap metal content rather than vessel book value, a distinction that can significantly affect duty calculations. Importers and recyclers should also assess whether hazardous materials aboard — asbestos, PCBs, heavy metals — trigger EPA or OSHA compliance obligations upon arrival.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Vessels entering trade for scrapping are generally valued on the basis of their scrap metal content — primarily steel weight at prevailing scrap prices — rather than their original construction cost or book value. This approach can produce a substantially different dutiable value than a functional vessel of similar size, and importers should document the scrap-basis valuation methodology clearly.
Yes. The Basel Convention regulates transboundary movements of hazardous waste, and vessels containing asbestos, PCBs, or other regulated materials may be classified as hazardous waste when sent for breaking. While the US has not ratified the Basel Convention, destination countries that have ratified it may impose prior informed consent requirements before accepting a vessel for recycling.
Basic heading 79330 · $6K of $76.2B
Exports · August 2026
destination
Egypt and Mexico together take 100% of it.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
origin
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
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ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
$6KYoY · free account
Low of 3 reported months · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $26K of Vessels & Floating Structures for Breaking Up (Ship Recycling).
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026 · imports 3 of 12 months reported, exports 6 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.