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SITCSection 5
U.S. exports of vinyl chloride (chloroethylene) (SITC 51131) totaled $82.7M in July 2026.
Vinyl Chloride (Chloroethylene) imports of $2K in July 2026 ran 600% above the year-to-date monthly average of $295.85714285714283.
Last updated: July 2026 dataVinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is the sole precursor to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the world's most widely produced thermoplastics, used in pipe, wire insulation, flooring, and medical devices. Classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by IARC, VCM is subject to stringent OSHA permissible exposure limits and EPA air emission standards, and importers must file EPA TSCA certification at entry. Because VCM is a liquefied gas under pressure, shipments require specialized pressure vessels and DOT hazmat compliance throughout the supply chain, adding logistical complexity that limits the number of viable import routes.
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1 shipments/mo
VCM is a gas at ambient conditions and must be transported as a liquefied gas under pressure, requiring specialized pressure-rated tank vessels, railcars, or ISO tanks rated for the compound's vapor pressure. This contrasts with liquid aromatics that move in standard chemical tankers. Port reception facilities must be equipped to handle pressurized transfers, which limits the number of US terminals capable of receiving VCM imports.
At entry, importers must submit EPA TSCA certification. Beyond customs, OSHA's vinyl chloride standard sets a permissible exposure limit and requires medical surveillance for workers with potential exposure. EPA's National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for vinyl chloride impose emission controls on facilities that process or store VCM. Importers should ensure downstream buyers are aware of these obligations before finalizing supply agreements.
ImportsExports
Imports
$2KYoY · Pro
Exports
$82.7MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Exports · July 2026
destination
Mexico and Colombia together take 81% 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.
Supplier Network
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