U.S. imports of Cotton Sewing Thread, Not for Retail Sale, ≥85% Cotton by Weight (HS 520411) totaled $327K in August 2026, imported from 31 countries.
Importers of Cotton Sewing Thread, Not for Retail Sale, ≥85% Cotton by Weight paid $29K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 8.75% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Cotton Sewing Thread, Not for Retail Sale, ≥85% Cotton by Weight imports of $327K in August 2026 ran 72% above the year-to-date monthly average of $191K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataIndustrial cotton sewing thread containing at least 85% cotton by weight and sold in bulk form — on cones, tubes, or large spools not configured for retail — is the primary input for garment and home-textile manufacturing operations. Italy and India are the leading US suppliers under this heading, with Egypt also a significant source. The single 10-digit line (5204110000) covers the full range of thread counts and finishes within this weight threshold, so classification disputes typically arise at the boundary with the sub-85% line (520419) rather than within the heading itself.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
27 import shipments a month
CBP may require a fiber content analysis conducted by an accredited textile testing laboratory, typically using AATCC or ISO fiber identification methods, to confirm that cotton constitutes 85% or more of the thread's total weight. The manufacturer's specification sheet or a certificate of composition from the mill is standard supporting documentation, but physical testing may be requested during examination.
Thread 'not put up for retail sale' is presented in industrial packaging — large cones, tubes, or cheeses intended for use in manufacturing — rather than in small consumer spools with retail labeling. The key factors are package size, labeling, and the intended distribution channel. Thread on small spools with consumer-facing labels and retail pricing would classify under heading 520420 instead. Importers should retain packaging specifications and commercial invoices that clearly identify the industrial nature of the packaging.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 520411 — Cotton Sewing Thread, Not for Retail Sale, ≥85% Cotton by Weight, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
ImportsExports
Imports
$327KYoY · free account
Exports
$109KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $2.4M of Cotton Sewing Thread, Not for Retail Sale, ≥85% Cotton by Weight and exported $639K.
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. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5204110000 | Cotton Sewing Thread, Not Retail, >=85% by Wt Cttn | $327K | 8.75% | 70.21% | $29K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5204110000 | Cotton Sewing Thread, Not Retail, >=85% by Wt Cttn | $109K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Subheading 2 of 3 in heading 5204
Subheading 520411 · $327K of $1.1M
Imports · August 2026
origin
Italy and Egypt together supply 86% of it. China pays 41.6% duty; Egypt 4.8%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
29.8% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 8.75% of imports for consumption.