U.S. imports of Embroidery Without Visible Ground (SITC 65651) totaled $371K in August 2026, imported from 37 countries.
Importers of Embroidery Without Visible Ground paid $92K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 26.57% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataChemical lace and similar embroidery without visible ground — where the base fabric is dissolved after embroidering, leaving only the embroidered design — is a technically demanding product used in luxury lingerie, bridal wear, and high-fashion applications. The absence of a retained ground fabric is the defining classification criterion, distinguishing these articles from conventional embroidered fabrics where the backing remains intact. Production requires specialized Schiffli or multi-head embroidery machinery combined with a soluble substrate, limiting the supplier base to technically advanced textile manufacturers. Fiber content and design complexity are the primary quality and pricing variables for trade buyers.
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220 import shipments a month
Physical examination of the article is the primary method — if no base fabric is present and the design is self-supporting, the article meets the criterion. Technical documentation from the manufacturer describing the soluble substrate process (e.g., water-soluble or chemical-dissolve backing) and the embroidery machinery used can preempt classification disputes and should accompany the shipment.
There is a recognized classification overlap between chemical lace (embroidery without ground) and mechanically made lace, and the distinction can affect the applicable duty rate at the HTS level. Commercially, the difference matters because lace and embroidery may face different tariff treatment and, in some cases, different trade remedy exposure. Importers should obtain a binding ruling from CBP if the product sits at this boundary.
Basic heading 65651 · $371K of $27.0B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
China and India together supply 59% of it. China pays 51.2% duty; Mexico 0.0%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$371KYoY · free account
Exports
$15KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $4.5M of Embroidery Without Visible Ground and exported $796K.
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.