HS Code:
Woven fabrics of synthetic staple fibers, containing 85 percent or more by weight of synthetic staple fibers (HS Code: 5512), encompass a wide range of textiles primarily made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic. These fabrics are used extensively in apparel, home furnishings, and industrial applications due to their durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. This category excludes fabrics mixed with natural fibers or those containing less than 85% synthetic staple fibers by weight. Global trade in this category is driven by demand for affordable and high-performance textiles, with significant production and export activity in Asia.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 2.8 billion
53.8% of total trade
Increasing
USD 0.6 billion
11.5% of total trade
Stable
USD 0.4 billion
7.7% of total trade
Increasing
USD 0.3 billion
5.8% of total trade
Increasing
USD 0.2 billion
3.8% of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
8.5%
Highest Rate
25% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Korea FTA)
Rising demand for sustainable synthetic fabrics
Increased investment in recycled polyester and eco-friendly production methods, influencing trade towards suppliers with green certifications.
2021-2022
Shift in supply chains due to geopolitical tensions
Diversification of sourcing from China to countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh due to trade wars and tariffs.
2020-2022
Growth in technical textile applications
Higher demand for synthetic fabrics in automotive, medical, and industrial sectors, boosting trade volumes in specialized markets.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 15-20% on woven synthetic fabrics from China to curb unfairly priced imports.
March 2023
Potential reduction in Chinese exports to the EU, with possible market shifts towards other Asian suppliers like Vietnam and India.
New rules under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement require stricter regional content for synthetic fabrics to qualify for duty-free access.
January 2023
Increased production costs for non-compliant exporters and a push for regional supply chain integration in North America.
China announced a $500 million initiative to scale up production of recycled polyester fabrics to meet global sustainability demands.
June 2023
Likely to reinforce Chinaโs dominance in the market while addressing environmental concerns, potentially reducing tariff barriers in eco-conscious markets.