HSChapter 55
U.S. imports of synthetic filament tow of polyesters (HS 550120) totaled $18K in April 2026, traded with 6 countries.
Synthetic Filament Tow of Polyesters imports of $18K in April 2026 ran 35% above the year-to-date monthly average of $13K.
Last updated: April 2026 dataPolyester filament tow is one of the most widely traded synthetic fiber intermediates globally, feeding staple-fiber cutting lines that supply apparel, home textiles, and nonwoven industries. China dominates US supply under tariff line 5501200000, and imports from China are subject to Section 301 tariffs, making origin diversification toward Italy, Taiwan, and India a recurring procurement consideration. Polyester tow is typically characterized by denier per filament and crimp specifications, both of which affect downstream processing compatibility.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Denier and crimp are commercial specifications rather than classification criteria under HTS 550120; all polyester filament tow falls under 5501200000 regardless of these parameters. However, buyers should ensure the spec sheet accompanies the shipment, as CBP may use it to confirm the product is tow (continuous bundle) rather than already-cut staple fiber, which would fall under heading 5503.
Polyester filament tow from China is subject to Section 301 tariffs, which increase landed cost relative to equivalent material from Italy or India. Importers evaluating total cost of ownership should factor in the Section 301 exposure and any available product exclusions when comparing supplier bids.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5501200000 | SYNTHETIC FILAMENT TOW OF POLYESTERS | $18K | 40.42% | $7K |
SYNTHETIC FILAMENT TOW OF POLYESTERS
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5501200000 | SYNTHETIC FILAMENT TOW OF POLYESTERS | $424K |
SYNTHETIC FILAMENT TOW OF POLYESTERS
122.6K 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
STPL FIB ARAMIDS NOT CARD/COMBD/PRCSD FOR SPINNING
HS 550311
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
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | -- | $274K | +$274K |
| South Carolina | -- | $115K | +$115K |
| Georgia | $16K | $27K | +$11K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUFFALO-NIAGARA FALLS, NY | -- | $138K | +$138K |
| SAVANNAH, GA | -- | $75K | +$75K |
| NORFOLK-NEWPORT NEWS, VA | -- | $59K | +$59K |