Man-made staple fibres (chapter 55): which countries import it
Chapter 55 groups synthetic and artificial staple fibres, yarns and woven fabrics made from them. Global imports topped USD 18.3 billion in 2025, with…
Published on 27 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 55 groups synthetic and artificial staple fibres, yarns and woven fabrics made from them. Global imports topped USD 18.3 billion in 2025, with Morocco, Türkiye and the United States as the largest buyers. Spain exported USD 848.7 million to the world in this chapter, making it a significant player in the supply chain.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 17 September 2026
Fact sheet
- Code
- 55
- Sector
- Fashion and Textiles
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| Morocco | 1,941,327,177 |
| Türkiye | 1,589,659,495 |
| United States | 1,556,286,421 |
| China | 1,503,403,163 |
| Germany | 1,449,349,951 |
| Cambodia | 1,349,066,742 |
| Indonesia | 1,171,503,705 |
| Italy | 1,084,342,440 |
| India | 987,876,276 |
| Brazil | 950,807,758 |
| Pakistan | 933,014,848 |
| Spain | 848,664,767 |
| Poland | 831,862,556 |
| Myanmar (Burma) | 819,370,985 |
| Mexico | 724,984,558 |
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 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Synthetic filament towHeading 5501
- Artificial filament towHeading 5502
- Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinningHeading 5503
- Artificial staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinningHeading 5504
- Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of man-made fibresHeading 5505
- Synthetic staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinningHeading 5506
- Artificial staple fibres, carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinningHeading 5507
- Sewing thread of man-made staple fibres, whether or not put up for retail saleHeading 5508
- Yarn (other than sewing thread) of synthetic staple fibres, not put up for retail saleHeading 5509
- Yarn (other than sewing thread) of artificial staple fibres, not put up for retail saleHeading 5510
- Yarn (not sewing thread), of man-made staple fibres, put up for retail saleHeading 5511
- Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of synthetic staple fibresHeading 5512
- Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not exceeding 170g/m2Heading 5513
- Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight exceeding 170g/m2Heading 5514
- Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibres, n.e.c. in chapter 55Heading 5515
- Woven fabrics of artificial staple fibresHeading 5516
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 you need to know before exporting
Man-made staple fibres are used across fashion, home textiles and technical applications. The chapter includes raw fibres, processed yarns ready for weaving or knitting, and finished woven fabrics. Each of the 16 headings in Chapter 55 has its own tariff rate and rules of origin.
Tariff rates depend on the specific heading, subheading and the country you export to. The same product can face different duties under different trade agreements. Check the exact tariff in Access2Markets by entering your HS code and destination market; the tool applies the preferential rate if one exists.
Spain is both an exporter and importer within this chapter: USD 848.7 million exported and significant volumes sourced from other suppliers. This suggests a strong domestic industry that both produces for export and supplies local manufacturers.
Rules of origin determine whether your product qualifies for preferential tariffs. For man-made fibres, these rules often require minimum transformation thresholds or specific fibre content percentages. Verify the rule for your exact product and destination agreement before committing to sourcing or pricing.
Quality and technical certifications vary by destination and end use. Textiles for apparel, home furnishings or industrial applications may face different requirements. Check your buyer's specifications and the destination market's regulations early in the sales process.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between synthetic and artificial staple fibres in this chapter?
Synthetic fibres (polyester, acrylic, nylon) are petroleum-based polymers produced from chemical synthesis. Artificial fibres (viscose, lyocell) are made from natural materials like wood pulp through a chemical process. The chapter includes both. Your sourcing, pricing and marketing will differ; confirm with your supplier and buyer which type you're working with.
Where do I find the exact tariff for my product and destination?
Use Access2Markets (the EU tool) or your destination's official tariff database. Enter your HS code and the importing country to see the applicable rate under all active trade agreements. Rates change annually and vary significantly by destination: what you pay for Morocco differs from what applies in the United States.
Do I need a certificate of origin?
Yes, for preferential tariff access under trade agreements. The certificate proves your product meets the rules of origin for that agreement. The format and issuing authority depend on the destination and agreement; ask your buyer which certificate they need and request it from your Chamber of Commerce or export authority.
Why does Spain both export and import in this chapter?
Spain has textile manufacturers that export finished products and also import raw or semi-finished fibres and yarns from lower-cost suppliers. Many Spanish firms operate as part of a larger supply chain rather than sourcing and producing entirely domestically. Understand your own position in this chain to price and plan inventory correctly.
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