U.S. imports of Synthetic Filament Tow of Polypropylene (HS 550140) totaled $54K in August 2026, imported from 6 countries.
Importers of Synthetic Filament Tow of Polypropylene paid $19K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 34.53% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Synthetic Filament Tow of Polypropylene imports of $54K in August 2026 ran 67% below the year-to-date monthly average of $162K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataPolypropylene filament tow occupies a distinct niche among synthetic tow types due to its low density, chemical resistance, and suitability for geotextile, rope, and nonwoven applications. Classified under a single line (5501400000), US imports are led by China, with Belgium and the United Kingdom also serving as notable sources — the European suppliers often reflecting specialty or higher-denier grades. Polypropylene tow from China is subject to Section 301 tariffs, a factor that has encouraged some buyers to evaluate European or other alternative origins.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
11 import shipments a month
Filament tow under heading 5501 consists of a large bundle of parallel continuous filaments without twist, intended for cutting or further processing. Polypropylene strip or flat yarn would fall under Chapter 54 or Chapter 39 depending on dimensions and cross-section. CBP guidance focuses on filament count, bundle structure, and whether the product is presented in a form suitable for cutting into staple fiber.
Geotextile manufacturing, marine rope and cordage, and spunbond nonwoven production are the primary downstream applications. Demand in the construction and infrastructure sectors can create cyclical import patterns tied to project pipelines and seasonal construction activity.
Subheading 3 of 6 in heading 5501
Subheading 550140 · $54K of $1.9M
ImportsExports
Imports
$54KYoY · free account
Exports
$52KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $1.4M of Synthetic Filament Tow of Polypropylene and exported $1.3M.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
China and Italy together supply 90% of it. China pays 45.0% duty; Italy 10.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
duty collected equals 34.53% of imports for consumption.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5501400000 | Synthetic Filament Tow, of Polypropylene | $54K | 34.53% | 100.00% | $19K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5501400000 | Synthetic Filament Tow, of Polypropylene | $52K |
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.
Trade Directory
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