U.S. exports of Sewing Thread of Synthetic Filaments (HS 540110) totaled $6.1M in August 2026.
Importers of Sewing Thread of Synthetic Filaments paid $572K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 18.79% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataPolyester and nylon sewing threads — the dominant synthetic filament types in global apparel and industrial stitching — are classified here whether sold on retail spools or in bulk industrial cones. Mexico leads US imports under this heading, a position reinforced by USMCA proximity and integrated North American apparel supply chains, with Japan and China also significant sources. A single 10-digit line (5401100000) covers all retail and non-retail presentations, so classification turns primarily on confirming the filament type is synthetic (as opposed to artificial/regenerated filaments, which fall under 540120) and that the product is specifically a sewing thread rather than a general-purpose yarn.
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872 import shipments a month
Synthetic filaments are polymer-based fibers such as polyester, nylon, and polypropylene, while artificial (regenerated) filaments are derived from natural cellulose — viscose rayon and cupro being the primary examples. The fiber chemistry, not the thread's appearance or end use, determines which heading applies. A fiber content certificate from the manufacturer is the standard supporting document.
No. The heading explicitly covers sewing thread 'whether or not put up for retail sale,' and the single 10-digit line 5401100000 applies regardless of packaging format. However, retail packaging may trigger separate marking and labeling requirements under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, which importers should address independently of the tariff classification.
ImportsExports
Imports
$3.1MYoY · free account
Exports
$6.1MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $39.5M of Sewing Thread of Synthetic Filaments and exported $69.8M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
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Subheading 1 of 2 in heading 5401
Subheading 540110 · $6.1M of $6.1M
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5401100000 | Sewing Thread Synthetic Filaments, For Retail Sale | $3.0M | 18.79% | 88.49% | $572K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5401100000 | Sewing Thread Synthetic Filaments, For Retail Sale | $6.1M |
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 Canada together take 85% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
11.2% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 18.79% of imports for consumption.