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HSChapter 55
U.S. imports of artificial filament tow of cellulose acetate (HS 550210) totaled $2K in April 2026, traded with 5 countries.
Artificial Filament Tow of Cellulose Acetate imports of $2K in April 2026 ran 100% below the year-to-date monthly average of $348K.
Last updated: April 2026 dataCellulose acetate filament tow is the dominant raw material for cigarette filter production worldwide, making it a strategically significant commodity despite its narrow end-use profile. Classified under 5502100000, US imports are led by Germany, with Chile and China also among the top suppliers. Because cellulose acetate tow is derived from wood pulp through chemical processing, it is classified as an artificial (regenerated) fiber rather than a synthetic one — a distinction that determines its HTS chapter placement and can affect duty treatment.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
The HTS distinguishes artificial fibers (derived from natural cellulosic polymers that are chemically modified, such as cellulose acetate or viscose rayon) from synthetic fibers (built entirely from petrochemical monomers). This distinction places cellulose acetate tow in Chapter 55 heading 5502 rather than 5501, and it affects both duty rates and applicable textile trade rules.
The tow itself is an industrial textile intermediate and does not trigger FDA or USDA admissibility review at import. However, downstream manufacturers incorporating it into tobacco products are subject to FDA Center for Tobacco Products oversight. Importers should ensure commercial invoices clearly describe the product as filament tow to avoid any confusion with finished tobacco articles.
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Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| NETHERLANDS | $2K | $8.9M | +$8.9M |
| MEXICO | -- | $6.4M | +$6.4M |
| BELGIUM | -- | $5.8M | +$5.8M |
| INDONESIA | -- | $5.5M | +$5.5M |
| KOREA, SOUTH | -- | $5.1M | +$5.1M |
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5502100000 | ARTIFICIAL FILAMENT TOW OF CELLULOSE ACETATE | $2K | 17.53% | $289 |
ARTIFICIAL FILAMENT TOW OF CELLULOSE ACETATE
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5502100000 | ARTIFICIAL FILAMENT TOW OF CELLULOSE ACETATE | $50.4M |
ARTIFICIAL FILAMENT TOW OF CELLULOSE ACETATE
8.7M kg
SYN STP FIB NT CRD, CMB OR PRSD SPNG, OF POLYESTER
HS 550320
ARTIF STP FIB NT CRD, CMB OR PRSD SPNG, VIS RAYON
HS 550410
YRN N SW TH MM ST FIB RT SL SYN STP FIB >=85% S FB
HS 551110
STPL FIB ARAMIDS NOT CARD/COMBD/PRCSD FOR SPINNING
HS 550311
SYN STP FIB NT CRD, CMB OR PRSD SPNG, ACRY/MODACRY
HS 550330
SYN STP FIB NOT CARD, CMB OR PRSD SPNG, NESOI
HS 550390
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | -- | $23.0M | +$23.0M |
| Virginia | -- | $22.1M | +$22.1M |
| South Carolina | -- | $2.7M | +$2.7M |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHARLESTON, SC | $2K | $34.6M | +$34.6M |
| LAREDO, TX | -- | $6.6M | +$6.6M |
| NORFOLK-NEWPORT NEWS, VA | -- | $3.1M | +$3.1M |