U.S. exports of Synthetic Filament Tow of Polyesters (HS 550120) totaled $515K in August 2026.
Synthetic Filament Tow of Polyesters imports of $48K in August 2026 ran 127% above the year-to-date monthly average of $21K.
Last updated: August 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.
16 import shipments a month
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.
ImportsExports
Imports
$48KYoY · free account
Exports
$515KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $341K of Synthetic Filament Tow of Polyesters and exported $3.7M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 550120 — Synthetic Filament Tow of Polyesters, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
Subheading 4 of 6 in heading 5501
Subheading 550120 · $515K of $6.0M
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5501200000 | Synthetic Filament Tow of Polyesters | $47K | 32.01% | 100.00% | $15K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5501200000 | Synthetic Filament Tow of Polyesters | $515K |
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
Canada and China together take 90% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
duty collected equals 32.01% of imports for consumption.