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HSChapter 54
U.S. imports of sewing thread of artificial filaments (HS 540120) totaled $69K in April 2026, traded with 14 countries.
Importers of Sewing Thread of Artificial Filaments paid $16K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 24% on $69K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Sewing Thread of Artificial Filaments imports of $69K in April 2026 ran 12% above the year-to-date monthly average of $61K.
Last updated: April 2026 dataSewing thread made from regenerated cellulosic filaments — principally viscose rayon and cupro — occupies a specialty niche in apparel manufacturing where a silk-like luster and smooth hand are required, particularly in luxury garment construction and decorative stitching. Mexico leads US imports of this heading, followed by Indonesia and China. A single 10-digit line (5401200000) covers all presentations, so the classification pivot is confirming the filament is artificial/regenerated rather than synthetic — a distinction that requires fiber content documentation and is a recurring source of misclassification when polyester and rayon threads are visually similar.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
The distinction rests on fiber origin: artificial filaments are regenerated from natural cellulose (e.g., viscose rayon, cupro, modal), while synthetic filaments are petroleum-derived polymers (e.g., polyester, nylon). A manufacturer's fiber content certificate or a laboratory burn/solubility test report is the standard evidence. Given the visual similarity between rayon and polyester threads, laboratory confirmation is advisable for high-value or high-volume shipments.
Goods of Chinese origin across many textile and apparel headings, including this one, may be subject to Section 301 tariffs in addition to the standard column 1 duty rate. Importers should verify the current Section 301 status for 5401200000 with a licensed customs broker before finalizing landed-cost calculations, as these measures can materially affect the economics of sourcing from China versus alternative suppliers such as Mexico or Indonesia.
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Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5401200000 | SEWING THREAD ARTIFICIAL FILAMENTS FOR RETAIL SALE | $69K | 23.76% | $16K |
SEWING THREAD ARTIFICIAL FILAMENTS FOR RETAIL SALE
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5401200000 | SEWING THREAD ARTIFICIAL FILAMENTS FOR RETAIL SALE | $47K |
SEWING THREAD ARTIFICIAL FILAMENTS FOR RETAIL SALE
1.8K kg
SYNTHETIC FILAMENT YARN FABRIC FROM THE STRIP
HS 540720
SYN FIL YARN EX SEWING NO RETAIL, POLYESTER
HS 540220
SYNTHETIC STRIP WIDTH NOT > 5MM
HS 540490
SYN FIL YN EXSEW NO RT TX POLYESTER
HS 540233
SYNT FILMT YRN, HIGH TENACITY YARN OF ARAMIDS
HS 540211
SYNT YARN,HIGH TENACTY, NYLON/ OTHR POLYAMIDES,NES
HS 540219
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $41K | -- | -$41K |
| HILDAGO, TX | -- | $27K | +$27K |
| NEWARK, NJ | $5K | $8K | +$3K |