HSChapter 55
U.S. imports of synthetic staple fibers of aramids, not carded or combed (HS 550311) totaled $6.4M in April 2026, traded with 11 countries.
Importers of Synthetic Staple Fibers of Aramids, Not Carded or Combed paid $832K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 14% on $6.1M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Synthetic Staple Fibers of Aramids, Not Carded or Combed imports of $6.4M in April 2026 ran 21% above the year-to-date monthly average of $5.3M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataAramid staple fibers in their raw, unprocessed form — not yet carded, combed, or otherwise prepared for spinning — serve as a critical input for friction materials, gaskets, reinforced composites, and protective apparel. Classified under 5503110000, US imports are sourced primarily from Spain, France, and the Netherlands, reflecting the concentration of para- and meta-aramid staple production among a small number of European chemical companies. The narrow supplier base and specialized production technology make supply-chain continuity a key procurement risk for industrial buyers.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
HTS heading 5503 covers staple fibers that have not been carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning. Once aramid staple fiber undergoes carding or combing, it moves to heading 5506, which covers processed staple fibers ready for spinning. Importers should confirm the processing state of the fiber at the time of importation to ensure the correct heading is declared.
Certain high-performance aramid fibers may be subject to export controls in the country of origin due to their use in ballistic and aerospace applications. While US import classification under HTS 5503110000 does not itself trigger an import license requirement, buyers in defense or aerospace supply chains should verify whether the exporting country's controls require an export license and whether end-use certificates are needed.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPAIN | $2.4M | -- | -$2.4M |
| FRANCE | $2.0M | -- | -$2.0M |
| KOREA, SOUTH | $1.3M | $346K | -$978K |
| CANADA | $10K | $1.0M | +$1.0M |
| MEXICO | -- | $646K | +$646K |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5503110000 | SYN STP FIB OF ARAMIDS, NT CD, OR PROCD FOR SPINNG | $6.4M | 13.54% | $832K |
SYN STP FIB OF ARAMIDS, NT CD, OR PROCD FOR SPINNG
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5503110000 | SYN STP FIB OF ARAMIDS, NT CD, OR PROCD FOR SPINNG | $3.0M |
SYN STP FIB OF ARAMIDS, NT CD, OR PROCD FOR SPINNG
158.2K 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
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
ART STP FIB NOT CRD, CMB OR PRSD SPNG, OTH VIS RYN
HS 550490
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $1.2M | $2.0M | +$732K |
| Virginia | $2.4M | $286K | -$2.1M |
| New York | $838K | -- | -$838K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORFOLK-NEWPORT NEWS, VA | $3.1M | $973K | -$2.1M |
| CHARLESTON, SC | $1.5M | $118K | -$1.3M |
| LAREDO, TX | -- | $646K | +$646K |