Man-made filaments; strip and the like of… (chapter 54): which countries import it
Chapter 54 groups synthetic and artificial filament yarns, monofilaments, and related woven fabrics. Global imports exceed USD 21 billion annually, led…
Published on 27 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 54 groups synthetic and artificial filament yarns, monofilaments, and related woven fabrics. Global imports exceed USD 21 billion annually, led by China, Indonesia, and the United States. Before shipping, verify the exact tariff code, applicable trade agreements from Spain, and any certification requirements for your destination market.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 54
- Sector
- Fashion and Textiles
Main importing markets
USD · 2024| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| China | 2,093,153,792 |
| Indonesia | 1,982,486,736 |
| United States | 1,791,066,846 |
| India | 1,783,461,784 |
| Brazil | 1,710,911,205 |
| Türkiye | 1,548,685,557 |
| Italy | 1,444,424,978 |
| Mexico | 1,428,387,954 |
| Germany | 1,346,861,482 |
| Egypt | 1,324,188,195 |
| Pakistan | 1,064,100,484 |
| South Korea | 1,009,947,909 |
| Thailand | 833,970,513 |
| Japan | 808,730,427 |
| Netherlands | 797,448,073 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Sewing thread of man-made filaments, whether or not put up for retail saleHeading 5401
- Synthetic filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including synthetic monofilament of less than 67 decitexHeading 5402
- Artificial filament yarn (other than sewing thread), not put up for retail sale, including artificial monofilament of less than 67 decitexHeading 5403
- Synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more, of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm; strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw) of synthetic textile materials of an apparent width not exceeding 5mmHeading 5404
- Artificial monofilament of 67 decitex or more, no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm; strip and the like (e.g. artificial straw), of artificial textile materials of a width not exceeding 5mmHeading 5405
- Man-made filament yarn (other than sewing thread), put up for retail saleHeading 5406
- Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading no. 5404Heading 5407
- Woven fabrics of artificial filament yarn including woven fabrics obtained from materials of heading no. 5404Heading 5408
Trade fairs in this sector
- LINEAPELLE
- MICAM Milano
- MOMAD, Salón Internacional de Moda, Calzado y Accesorios
- Pitti Immagine Uomo
- Première Vision Paris
- Techtextil
- Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris
What to check before exporting Chapter 54 products
The eight headings in Chapter 54 cover different forms and uses of man-made filaments: sewing thread, yarn for industrial use, monofilaments, and finished woven fabrics. Your tariff classification determines the duty rate, the trade agreement that applies, and the import requirements in the destination country.
Start by identifying the exact heading and subheading of your product. The difference between sewing thread (5401), yarn not for retail (5402–5403), and yarn for retail sale (5406) affects both tariffs and market positioning. If your product is a woven fabric, you must distinguish between synthetic filament yarn fabrics (5407) and artificial filament yarn fabrics (5408).
Once you know the tariff code, consult Access2Markets to see the duty rate from Spain for each destination. This rate varies by country agreement—EU trade partners, beneficiaries of GSP or EPA frameworks, and others are in different brackets. The tool shows you the exact percentage and any quotas or conditions.
Certification and testing depend on the end use and the importer's regulations. A fabric destined for clothing faces different checks than yarn for industrial processing. Your buyer or their customs broker will specify what is required, but you should confirm in writing before shipment to avoid delays at the border.
The top three markets—China, Indonesia, and the United States—account for more than USD 5.5 billion of global imports. These are concentrated importers and processors, not small traders. If you plan to serve these markets, research the business practices and payment terms typical in each region before approaching potential buyers.
Questions about exporting man-made filaments
How do I know which tariff code applies to my product?
The eight headings in Chapter 54 are defined by form and end use. Sewing thread is 5401; yarn not for retail sale is 5402 or 5403 depending on whether it is synthetic or artificial; monofilament and strip are 5404–5405; yarn for retail sale is 5406; and woven fabrics are 5407–5408. Your product description and packaging determine the heading. If you are unsure, ask your buyer or a customs broker in your destination market to confirm the classification before you ship.
Does the tariff rate change by destination country?
Yes. Spain applies different duty rates depending on the importer's country and the trade agreement in force. An importer in an EU member state pays one rate (often zero); an importer in a country with a preferential trade agreement with the EU pays another; and other countries pay the standard rate. Use Access2Markets and enter your destination to see the exact tariff for your subheading.
What certifications do man-made filaments need?
This depends on the end use and the importing country's regulations. Yarn for textiles may require testing for fiber content, shrinkage, or colorfastness if the final fabric is for clothing or household use. Yarn for industrial applications may have different requirements. Your buyer or their importer will specify the tests and certificates needed. Agree on this before production to avoid rejection at customs.
Which countries import the most from this chapter?
China leads global imports at USD 2.1 billion, followed by Indonesia (USD 1.98 billion) and the United States (USD 1.79 billion). These three countries account for nearly 30 percent of world imports. They are major processors and manufacturers. If your product is competitive on price and quality, these markets offer scale, but they also have established supplier networks and strict delivery terms.
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