U.S. imports of Synthetic Strip and Similar Forms, Width Not Over 5 mm (HS 540490) totaled $13.8M in August 2026, imported from 29 countries.
Importers of Synthetic Strip and Similar Forms, Width Not Over 5 mm paid $1.4M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 10.09% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Synthetic Strip and Similar Forms, Width Not Over 5 mm imports of $13.8M in August 2026 ran 15% above the year-to-date monthly average of $12.0M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataNarrow synthetic strips — including products resembling artificial straw used in woven bags, mats, and decorative textiles — are classified here when made from synthetic textile materials and measuring 5 mm or less in apparent width. Unlike monofilaments, these flat or tape-like forms are covered by a single US tariff line (5404900000). Germany leads US supply, with Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates also notable sources, reflecting both high-precision extrusion manufacturing and re-export trade patterns. Apparent width measurement, not thickness, is the controlling dimension for classification.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
302 import shipments a month
The key distinction is cross-sectional geometry: monofilaments have a roughly circular or near-circular cross-section, while strips are flat or tape-like with an apparent width that is the controlling measurement. If the product's apparent width exceeds its thickness significantly and is 5 mm or less, it is a strip. If it is essentially round in cross-section, it is a monofilament. When the geometry is ambiguous, a CBP binding ruling or laboratory analysis may be necessary.
Synthetic strips resembling straw — used in woven hats, bags, and decorative items — can fall under 540490 when made from synthetic textile materials and within the 5 mm width limit. However, if the material is artificial (e.g., viscose-based) rather than synthetic, it would fall under heading 5405 instead. The fiber type (synthetic vs. artificial) is the threshold classification question.
Subheading 1 of 4 in heading 5404
Subheading 540490 · $13.8M of $19.7M
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 540490 — Synthetic Strip and Similar Forms, Width Not Over 5 mm, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5404900000 | Synthetic Strip Wid <=5mm Other Than Monofilaments | $13.8M | 10.09% | 99.97% | $1.4M |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5404900000 | Synthetic Strip Wid <=5mm Other Than Monofilaments | $1.5M |
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.
ImportsExports
Imports
$13.8MYoY · free account
Exports
$1.5MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $123.4M of Synthetic Strip and Similar Forms, Width Not Over 5 mm and exported $21.1M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Germany and Vietnam together supply 52% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
0.0200% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 10.09% of imports for consumption.