U.S. exports of Sewing Thread of Synthetic Staple Fibers (HS 550810) totaled $1.0M in August 2026.
Importers of Sewing Thread of Synthetic Staple Fibers paid $184K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 22.39% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataSewing thread spun from synthetic staple fibers — most commonly polyester or nylon staple — serves the apparel, footwear, and home-furnishings industries as a high-volume consumable. The US tariff line 5508100000 covers this product whether or not it is put up for retail sale, meaning both industrial cones and consumer retail spools enter under the same classification. Thread specifications such as ticket number, twist direction, and finish coating are commercially significant but do not create separate tariff lines at the 10-digit level.
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177 import shipments a month
Sewing thread spun from staple fibers (short, discrete fiber lengths) falls under heading 5508, while thread made from continuous filament yarn is classified under heading 5401. The distinction is based on the yarn construction method: staple-spun thread has a characteristic hairiness and texture, whereas filament thread is smoother. Importers should confirm the yarn construction type with the manufacturer to ensure correct classification.
Under HTS 5508100000, the duty rate is the same regardless of whether the thread is on industrial cones or retail spools. However, retail packaging may trigger additional labeling requirements under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, which requires fiber content, country of origin, and manufacturer identification on consumer-facing packaging. Industrial shipments on large cones are generally exempt from retail labeling rules.
Subheading 1 of 2 in heading 5508
Subheading 550810 · $1.0M of $1.1M
Trade Directory
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5508100000 | Sew Thd Mmf Stpl Fib Wth Nt Retail Sale Syn Stp Fb | $820K | 22.39% | 79.22% | $184K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5508100000 | Sew Thd Mmf Stpl Fib Wth Nt Retail Sale Syn Stp Fb | $1.0M |
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.
Exports · August 2026
destination
Mexico and Honduras together take 80% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
20.6% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 22.39% of imports for consumption.
ImportsExports
Imports
$825KYoY · free account
Exports
$1.0MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $9.4M of Sewing Thread of Synthetic Staple Fibers and exported $11.8M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.